‘Last Chance U’ Coach John Beam Dies After Shooting at Laney College
OAKLAND, CA – John Beam, the football coach featured on the Netflix docuseries “Last Chance U” and a beloved figure in the Oakland athletic community, has died following a shooting on the Laney College campus on November 29, 2023. He was 61 years old.
beam was shot on wednesday afternoon and had been hospitalized in critical condition. News of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from former players, colleagues, and local leaders. He served as athletic director at Laney College and previously coached at Skyline High School.
Beam joined Laney College in 2004 as a running backs coach,becoming head coach in 2012. During his tenure, he led the team to two league titles and helped 20 players advance to the NFL, including current Chicago Bears player Nahshon Wright and New Orleans Saints player Rejzohn Wright.
“John was so much more than a coach,” said Piedmont Police Chief Fred Shavies, a former mentee of Beam’s. “he was a father figure to thousands of not only men but young women in our community.” Shavies, who previously served as a deputy chief in the Oakland Police Department, recalled meeting Beam in eighth grade and receiving his support after the loss of his own father. “He was an absolutely unbelievable human being.”
The shooting occurred a day after a student was shot at Oakland’s Skyline High School, where Beam had previously worked. Authorities have stated the suspect in the Laney College shooting had attended Skyline High School, but after Beam had left for laney College.
Mayor barbara Lee described beam as a “giant” and a mentor. “For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family,” Lee said.
The family has requested privacy,stating,”Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love.”
Peralta Community College District spokesperson Mark Johnson said the community was “devastated” and “heartbroken” by the violence.