Last Chance U’s Coach John Beam Killed in Campus Shooting

John Beam, the coach featured in the Netflix series Last Chance U, tragically passed away on November 14th, after being shot the previous day at Laney Community College in Oakland. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee shared in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that the city was deeply affected, and her thoughts were with Coach Beam and his family.

Police quickly identified and arrested a suspect after announcing the death of Coach Beam. The suspect was a former football player at Skyline High School, where Beam previously coached, though their times at the school didn’t coincide. Oakland police clarified that the shooting wasn’t a random act of violence, but rather the suspect had a specific reason for being on campus. According to acting police chief James Beere, this was a targeted incident, not an active shooter situation, as reported on November 13.

John Beam was a central figure in the fifth and final season of the Netflix docuseries Last Chance U. The show highlighted junior college football programs and the players who faced challenges away from the sport, often transitioning to basketball. Beam served as the athletic director at Laney College since 2006 and also coached the football team from 2012 until 2024. Following his tragic death, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao praised Beam as a long-time mentor and educator who positively impacted countless young lives. She emphasized the need for increased gun control and expressed support for Beam’s family and community.

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2025-11-15 03:02