John Beam, popularly known for being the mentor of Laney College’s football team, is dead. According to a report by TMZ, he died after a targeted shooting on the Oakland campus on Thursday, November 13, 2025. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostJohn Beam began coaching in 1979, teaching the students of Serra High School in San Diego. In 1982, the San Diego native moved to Oakland, California, and became the defensive coordinator of the Skyline High School football team. Five years later, he became the head coach, leading the team to win multiple league championships.In 2004, John Beam shifted his focus to the Laney College Eagles. He carried the team to win two league titles, including the 2018 state championship. In 2018, the coach, who was famous for his appearance on Last Chance U, was awarded the California Community College Athletic Association’s Coach of the Year award. He officially retired from coaching in 2024.More details on John Beam’s passingOn Thursday, November 13, 2025, popular Oakland coach John Beam was shot in the head on the school’s campus. According to a statement from the Oakland Police Department, John’s shooting was a targeted incident. John was rushed to a nearby hospital but unfortunately died on Friday morning, November 14, from the injuries he suffered. He was 66. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHis family confirmed the news via a statement:“We are devastated that John Beam, our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend, has passed.”They added:“Our hearts are full from the outpouring of love and support for all those who cared about him. We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers, well wishes, and thoughts.”The chancellor of the Peralta Community College District, Tammeil Gilkerson, also paid tribute to the late coach:“There are no real words to express my profound sorrow, but it is only softened by the tremendous gratitude I feel for the opportunity I had to work alongside him.”He added:“John made me laugh, infuriated me on some days, elevated my thinking, and constantly challenged me to be better for Peralta and for Oakland. I am keeping John's family, loved ones, and all of you in my thoughts and prayers.”According to TMZ, a suspect was arrested on Friday morning.Read more: "Asking for forgiveness was to spread his new album news" - Internet reacts to Kanye West teasing the release of "Bully" on Yeezy websiteRead more: Who was Mary Cybulski? 'Life of Pi' and 'Eternal Sunshine' script supervisor and photographer dies at 70