John Beam, the college football coach featured in “Last Chance U,” dies after campus shooting

John Beam — the widely respected Oakland football coach whose leadership was showcased in Netflix’s “Last Chance U” — died on Friday, one day after he was shot on the Laney College campus. He was 66.

Police arrested a 27-year-old suspect early Friday morning. Authorities said the man knew Beam, and the shooting appeared to be a targeted attack.

The incident sent shockwaves through Oakland. Dozens held a vigil outside the hospital before Beam’s death, honoring him as a mentor who supported anyone in need.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee described Beam as a “giant” who shaped generations of young athletes and “gave Oakland’s youth their best chance at success.”
She added: “For over 40 years, he built leaders on and off the field.”

Investigators credited camera footage from the college, nearby homes, and public transit systems in helping track down the suspect, identified as Cedric Irving Jr.

Irving was arrested without resistance at a Bay Area commuter rail station shortly after 3 a.m. Friday. Police also recovered the firearm believed to have been used.

He is being held in Alameda County jail on charges of murder and carrying a concealed weapon. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation.