OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — John Beam, the devoted head coach of Laney College’s football team and a celebrated figure throughout Oakland, died on Friday after being shot on campus in a targeted attack.
Police have arrested a 27-year-old suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., who was identified as knowing Beam personally. Relatives described the tragic incident as shocking, mourning the loss of a coach who had greatly influenced the lives of countless young athletes.
As news of Beam’s passing spread, community members gathered outside the hospital to hold a vigil, reflecting on his legacy as someone who offered second chances to players who often faced challenges beyond sports.
Mayor Barbara Lee remembered him as a “giant” in the community, stating that his mentorship extended to thousands of young people, including family members like her nephew. “He gave Oakland’s youth their best chance,” she said, highlighting Beam’s dedication to shaping future leaders.
In a statement, Beam's family expressed their heartbreak, describing him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who made a profound impact in the lives around him.
Police Chief James Beere noted that the suspect had previously played football at a high school where Beam once coached, though not during Beam’s tenure. The shooting occurred just a day after another student was shot at a local high school, marking a distressing escalation in violence within the educational community.
Beam's dedication to youth sports and community service was notably recognized through his long-standing affiliation with Laney College, where he had been instrumental in fostering athletic excellence since 2004.
The Lamda of Oakland and its surrounding neighborhoods continue to grapple with the ramifications of youth-related violence, as this incident serves as a grave reminder of the challenges facing young people today.
