Tragic Loss for Oakland: Community Mourns Football Coach John Beam

Fri Dec 05 2025 05:07:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Oakland community is reeling after the murder of beloved football coach John Beam at Laney College. Cedric Irving, 27, has been charged with the crime, which highlights issues of gun violence affecting youth.

John Beam, a respected figure at Laney College and featured in Netflix's 'Last Chance U', was shot and killed on campus. Cedric Irving, 27, faces murder charges and potentially life in prison. Beam's death underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence in Oakland, which has recently experienced multiple school shootings.

OAKLAND, Calif. — The community of Oakland is in mourning following the tragic murder of John Beam, a valued former football coach at Laney College, who was shot in the head on campus. Cedric Irving, 27, has been charged with the crime, with the possibility of facing 50 years to life in prison if convicted, as announced by Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson.

Beam, aged 66, was not only a dedicated coach but also a father figure to many young athletes, fostering deep connections with his players. His recent spotlight came from the Netflix docuseries 'Last Chance U', which documented his coaching during Laney's 2020 season. Although he stepped down from coaching last year, he continued to serve as the athletic director of the institution.

Jones Dickson expressed the depth of the community's loss, stating, 'He really is the best of Oakland — was the best of Oakland. His spirit is still here.'

Irving was apprehended shortly after the shooting, found with the weapon used and reportedly confessed to the act. The details surrounding the relationship between Beam and Irving remain unclear, but there are suggestions of prior connections to the Laney campus. Irving's motivations appear to be deeply personal, as he was recently unemployed and facing eviction.

The nation’s growing gun violence crisis has become painfully relevant in Oakland, especially with two recent school shootings, including one that injured a student at Skyline High School. Officials like Jones Dickson are calling for accountability regarding gun access and are determined to combat the normalization of such violence in schools.

'That's unacceptable that we have children in our community who now think this is the norm,' Jones Dickson said, addressing the need for action against gun violence.

John Beam's legacy lives on through his players, at least 20 of whom proceeded to play in the NFL, showcasing his impact on the lives of young athletes. His contributions to education and sports in Oakland will not be forgotten.