UPDATE: The Oakland sports community is in shock following the tragic death of beloved coach John Beam, who was shot at Laney College on November 14, 2025. Beam, 66, passed away early Friday morning, leaving a legacy that spans decades and has profoundly impacted countless lives.
Officials confirm that Beam’s untimely death has sparked an outpouring of grief from players, coaches, and fans, with tributes flooding social media. Renowned for his leadership, Beam guided Skyline High School to 15 Oakland Athletic League championships and later gained national fame through the Netflix series “Last Chance U,” which featured his Laney College football program in 2020.
“This isn’t just a loss for our team; it’s a loss for the entire community,” said Damian Lillard, NBA star and Oakland native, on Instagram. “Hundreds of kids became the men they are today because of Coach Beam. This isn’t the Oakland I grew up in. It’s just heartbreaking.”
The response from the local sports community has been overwhelming. Bob Ladouceur, former coach at De La Salle High, expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “John dedicated his life to making boys into men. He was one of the best.”
Coaches from around the Bay Area shared their condolences, with Charlie Ramirez, Pittsburg High football coach, calling Beam’s death “extremely devastating.” He emphasized Beam’s mentorship and recruitment efforts, which helped many young athletes advance to collegiate levels.
Others echoed this sentiment. Mark Krail, head coach at Los Gatos High, said, “Football in Oakland will always carry his name. He was a man of integrity who turned lives around, and the impact he made will never be forgotten.”
The news of Beam’s death has triggered moments of silence at various games, including a recent playoff match where players and coaches honored him. The Las Vegas Raiders released a statement mourning his loss, describing him as an influential mentor whose legacy will be woven into the fabric of East Bay football.
Local teams, including the Oakland Roots, lamented the loss of a community icon, stating, “While his name was John Beam, everyone in Oakland knew him as Coach Beam. No one cared more about our youth.”
As tributes continue to pour in, the impact of Beam’s life and work remains clear. His coaching philosophy reached beyond the field, aiming to shape young men into responsible adults. Mike Cable, Liberty High football coach, remarked, “Coaching is about the lives you touch, and John was the epitome of that.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the community awaits updates on the suspect involved in this tragic incident. As Oakland grapples with the loss of such an influential figure, the focus now shifts to honoring Beam’s legacy and ensuring that his contributions to youth sports are never forgotten.
More updates are expected as details unfold. Stay tuned for the latest developments regarding this urgent situation.
