The Bay Area sports community is in mourning after the tragic death of Laney College athletic director and Netflix 'Last Chance U' star John Beam, who was shot and killed in a senseless attack on campus.
A Targeted Attack and Swift Arrest
John Beam, aged 66, was shot in the head on Thursday at the Laney College campus in Oakland, where he served as athletic director. Emergency services rushed him to hospital, but he later succumbed to his injuries.
Oakland police moved quickly to apprehend a suspect, taking 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. into custody without incident at around 3am on Friday morning at San Leandro BART station. Authorities confirmed they had recovered a firearm.
Police Assistant Chief James Beere revealed the suspect was known to loiter around the campus and stated this was a 'very targeted incident'. The shooting prompted an initial active shooter response and campus lockdown before police determined there was no ongoing threat.
Bay Area Sports World Pays Tribute
The shocking news reverberated throughout the Bay Area sports community, with Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry paying emotional tribute after his spectacular 49-point performance against San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.
'Being from the Bay and understanding the icon that was lost - John Beam - I'm sending all thoughts and prayers to his family and the whole Laney College Community and all of Oakland,' Curry told reporters. 'Senseless violence is tough. It puts in perspective what we get to do everyday. But I know he was a legend and touched a lot of lives.'
When questioned, Curry confirmed he had never personally met the celebrated coach before his untimely death.
Warriors Community Mourns a Local Legend
Before the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wore a 'John Beam' t-shirt and opened his press conference with a moving tribute to the football icon.
'Today is a really, really sad day - a sad day for the Bay Area, for Coach Beam's family and everyone in Oakland,' Kerr stated. 'He was a revered figure in Oakland - he did so much for so many people.'
Kerr used the tragedy to call for action on America's gun violence crisis, adding: 'We have to be the change. As a community, as citizens, we have to be the ones who insist that we address the gun violence issue in this country.'
Beam leaves behind his wife Cindi, two daughters, two granddaughters, and a legacy spanning over 40 years in college football coaching. His family described him as a 'loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend' in an official statement.
The coach gained national recognition through Netflix's 'Last Chance U', which showcased his remarkable talent for transforming the lives of overlooked athletes while building championship-contending teams at Laney College.
