Laney College football coach John Beam, featured in the Netflix series “Last Chance U”, has tragically passed away after being shot on campus in Oakland, California. The suspect, who was known to loiter around the campus, has been arrested.
The community was deeply shaken by Beam’s death, holding a vigil outside the hospital where he fought for his life. Authorities mentioned that the suspect and Beam knew each other, although they were not close. Beam was known for his dedication to helping everyone in the community, even those he didn’t have a close relationship with.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and a gun was recovered. Charges were pending at the time of the report. Police credited technology, including surveillance cameras on campus and public transit, for helping in the arrest of the suspect.
Beam’s family described him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend. He was much more than a coach to many, serving as a father figure and mentor to thousands of young people. Hundreds gathered at the hospital to pay tribute to Beam, who had spent over 40 years shaping leaders on and off the field.
Former players, including NFL athletes Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, expressed their deep sadness over Beam’s passing. Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a giant in the community, a mentor, educator, and lifeline for young people. Beam had been with Laney College since 2004, serving as a running backs coach before becoming the head coach in 2012. In accordance with the information provided on the college’s website, 20 of his players have advanced to the NFL.
Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for Peralta Community College District, expressed deep concern for Beam’s well-being following the shooting on campus, stating that the Peralta community is devastated by the incident.
The shooting involving Beam occurred the day after a student was shot at Skyline High School in Oakland. The student is currently in stable condition. It was noted that Beam had previously worked at Skyline High School, and the suspect had played football there after Beam had already moved on to another job.
Additional contributions to this article were made by Catalini from Morrisville, Pennsylvania, as well as Associated Press reporters Julie Watson in San Diego and Hannah Schoenbaum in Salt Lake City. following sentence:
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The speedy brown fox leaps over the relaxed dog. following sentence: “The cat chased the mouse around the house.”
The mouse was chased around the house by the cat.
