Known from Netflix documentary
Great sadness: US college coach dies in shooting
November 15, 2025 – 8:42 a.mReading time: 2 minutes
He was at the center of a documentary about a special project at Laney College in Oakland, California. Now John Beam has fallen victim to a violent act.
He shaped underdogs into champions – now John Beam is dead. The well-known coach of Laney College in Oakland was the victim of a shooting attack on the grounds where he gave generations of players a perspective. He died in hospital a day after the attack. Beam was 66 years old.
The coach became known through the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U,” which showed his work with young people who often had no other sporting or school options. Beam was shot on the Laney College campus Thursday morning. The police arrested a suspect and a weapon was seized.
According to the investigation, it is a former high school player from Oakland – Beam also once worked at the school in question, but not at the same time as the alleged perpetrator. The police assume it was a targeted act, but initially did not provide any information about the motive. The two men knew each other, but according to police they were not said to have had a close relationship.
Fred Shavies, Piedmont police chief and former Oakland resident, said, “John was so much more than just a coach.” He met Beam as a student after he lost his father. “He was an absolutely incredible person,” Shavies said.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also commented: “For over 40 years, he shaped leaders on and off the field.” She praised Beam as a “giant.”
After his death was announced, hundreds of people gathered for a vigil. Many viewed Beam as a father figure. As a head coach, Beam won two championships. 20 of his players made it to the NFL – including the brothers Rejzohn and Nahshon Wright. After the crime, both spoke out with emotional words. Rejzohn wrote: “You mean everything to me.” Nahshon posted a picture of a broken heart.