John Beam, the athletic director and former head football coach at Laney College, was tragically shot on campus on Thursday. Sadly, he passed away from his injuries on Friday morning at the age of 66.
Authorities, including the Oakland Police Department, announced that they have arrested a suspect in connection to the shooting. While details remain unclear, it has been disclosed that the suspect knew Beam but was not in a close relationship with him. This person had played high school football in the Bay Area.
The incident took place around noon in the Laney Field House, which is closely tied to college football activities. Initially, the college alerted the community via an emergency message, urging everyone to avoid the area due to an active shooter. However, it was later confirmed that there was no ongoing shooter situation and only Beam was injured.
Beam was widely recognized for his appearance on Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” a series that documented the journeys of junior college football programs. He started as a running backs coach in 2004 and became the head coach in 2012. Later on, he transitioned to an administrative role.
According to Mark Johnson, a spokesperson for the Peralta Community College District, the community is in shock and deeply saddened by the violence that has affected their campus. “We are stunned and heartbroken,” he stated. Beam’s contributions to football extended beyond coaching; he helped over 100 players advance to Division I football, with 20 going on to play in the NFL, including seven who participated in Super Bowl games.
This incident has sparked conversations online, highlighting the increasing concerns about safety in educational institutions. Recent statistics show that active shooter incidents on college campuses have risen by 30% over the past five years, making headlines across the nation. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures and support systems in schools.
As the community mourns the loss of John Beam, his legacy in coaching and his passion for mentoring young athletes will be remembered. For more details about the situation and ongoing safety efforts, you can check the report from ESPN.
