15.11.2025 12:44
Famous actor John Beam, known for his role in Netflix's "Last Chance U," was shot while targeted on the Laney College campus. The 66-year-old Beam passed away in the hospital. The police stated that the attack was "clearly targeted," while Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee shared her grief, saying, "Beam was one of the giants of our city, guiding thousands of young people."
The football coach and Netflix star John Beam, known for the documentary "Last Chance U," was shot and killed on the Laney College campus in Oakland. The attack on the 66-year-old Beam was reported to be "targeted." A 27-year-old suspect, Cedric Irving, has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Famous football coach and star of Netflix's Last Chance U series, John Beam, who was shot on the Laney College campus in Oakland, died in the hospital after being taken there. It was reported that Beam, 66, was shot in the head and was in critical condition when he was first admitted to the hospital. Beam passed away the following morning. The Beam family requested privacy in a statement, describing the famous coach as a "loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, and friend."
THE ATTACK WAS 'TARGETED'
The police stated that the attack was not random and that Beam was specifically targeted. It was expressed that security cameras on campus, as well as cameras from nearby homes and public transport lines, were used in the investigation. The 27-year-old suspect Cedric Irving was caught a few hours after the incident at a train station in Oakland. The weapon used in the attack was also found on him. Irving was arrested on charges of murder and carrying a concealed weapon. It was reported that the day he would appear in court would be Tuesday. It is still unknown whether the suspect has a lawyer.
BEAM WAS A LEGEND OF THE CITY
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described John Beam as "one of the giants of the city," stating, "He guided thousands of young people and gave them the best opportunity in their lives." Beam began his coaching career at Laney College in 2004 and rose to head coach in 2012. Having won two league championships, Beam retired from his on-field duties in 2024 but continued to work in the school's sports programs. According to the college's website, more than 20 players coached by Beam have advanced to the NFL.
A STUDENT WAS SHOT JUST A DAY BEFORE
Just one day before Beam was shot, a student was shot at Skyline High School in Oakland. The student's condition was reported to be stable. Authorities emphasized that there were no signs of a connection between the two attacks. Mayor Lee stated that the series of incidents "highlighted how great a crisis violence and gun use are."