Arrest Made as Laney Coach John Beam Dies After Oakland Campus Shooting
Arrest Made as Laney Coach John Beam Dies After Oakland Campus Shooting
An arrest has been made in the shooting of Laney College coach John Beam, the Last Chance U figure who died from his injuries after the Oakland campus shooting.
Oakland — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting of John Beam at Laney College in Oakland on Thursday. Beam, a longtime football coach and athletic director, was shot in the head on the campus and remained hospitalized in critical condition before dying Friday morning.
Beam, 66, was the face of Laney’s football program and was featured on Netflix's Last Chance U during the 2020 season. He retired from coaching in 2024 but continued to mentor student-athletes during his time at Laney.
A suspect has been identified as Cedric Irving Jr., and authorities say the investigation is ongoing. The incident was described as isolated, with no active threat to the campus reported afterward.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a giant in Oakland and praised his decades of mentorship, saying he shaped leaders on and off the field and touched thousands of lives.
Beam's career path stretched from Skyline High School in Oakland to Laney College, marking a lasting influence on players and coaches who passed through his programs.
Laney College officials said safety protocols would be reviewed and campus security would stay vigilant as investigators finish gathering details. The community is urged to honor Beam's memory while supporting his family and the Laney athletes.
Cover image source: Arrest Made in Shooting of “Last Chance U” Coach, Who's in Critical Condition After Being Shot in Head 🔗
