John Beam, Laney AD and Former Football Coach, Dies After Shooting

Introduction to the Incident

John Beam, the athletic director at Laney College and a legendary football coach in the Oakland area, has died a day after being shot on campus, according to the Oakland Police Department. An arrest had been made in connection with the Thursday shooting, the police department announced earlier Friday morning. Beam was shot on the downtown Oakland campus, the Peralta Community College District confirmed to multiple media outlets, and was transported to a local hospital. The Oakland police said there would be more information on the arrest forthcoming.

Investigation and Arrest

On Thursday at a news conference, Oakland’s acting Police Chief James Beere had told reporters that police were attempting to locate a potential suspect. “It’s a male unknown race wearing all dark clothing and a black hoodie that fled the scene,” Beere said. The Oakland Police Department responded to calls of shots being fired at or near Laney around noon Thursday and found a “a victim suffering from a gunshot wound,” Beere said, adding that his department was interviewing witnesses and looking at surveillance video as part of an active investigation.

Coaching Legacy

Beam coached football in Oakland — first at Skyline High School and then at Laney —for more than four decades before retiring from that aspect of his job after last season. He and the Eagles were featured during the 2020 season of the Netflix documentary series “Last Chance U.” The show depicted Beam as a mentor and father figure to his players, some of whom were facing significant challenges in their lives, as they navigate a football season. According to the Laney website, Beam was 160-33-3 with four undefeated seasons at Skyline High. He came to Laney as running backs coach in 2004, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2005 and became head coach in 2012. He coached the Eagles to the California Community College Athletic Assn. championship in 2018.

Reaction to the Incident

“My thoughts are with Coach John Beam and his loved ones. We are praying for him,” Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee said in a statement. “Coach Beam is a giant in Oakland — a mentor, an educator, and a lifeline for thousands of young people. For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family.”

Related Incidents

Another shooting occurred on Wednesday at Skyline High. A student was shot and is said to be in stable condition. Two suspects, both minors, have been arrested by Oakland police.

Conclusion

The death of John Beam is a significant loss for the Oakland community, where he was not only a renowned coach but also a mentor and father figure to many young people. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence the lives of those he touched through his coaching and leadership. The community will undoubtedly come together to support his family and the Laney College community during this difficult time.

FAQs

• Who was John Beam? John Beam was the athletic director at Laney College and a legendary football coach in the Oakland area.
• What happened to John Beam? He was shot on the Laney College campus and died a day later.
• Has an arrest been made? Yes, an arrest was made in connection with the shooting, according to the Oakland Police Department.
• What was John Beam’s coaching record? Beam was 160-33-3 with four undefeated seasons at Skyline High and led the Laney Eagles to the California Community College Athletic Assn. championship in 2018.
• How has the community reacted to his death? The community, including Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, has expressed shock and sadness, praising Beam’s contributions as a coach, mentor, and educator.