What Happened to the US Football Coach Featured on Netflix After Campus Shooting?

Former American football coach John Beam, known for his role in the Netflix series Last Chance U, tragically died after being shot at Laney College in Oakland, California. The incident has shocked the community and prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, students, and fans alike.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The shooting incident occurred on Thursday at Laney College, where John Beam served as the athletics director. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. Authorities quickly apprehended a suspect, identified as Cedric Irving Jr., who reportedly knew Beam but was not a former player. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, leaving many in the community searching for answers.

Key takeaways

John Beam was shot at Laney College on Thursday and died shortly after.
A suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., has been arrested but no motive has been disclosed.
Beam was the athletics director and was previously featured in Last Chance U.

Timeline: how we got here

Following is a brief timeline of events related to the incident:

26 October 2023: John Beam is shot at Laney College.
27 October 2023: Police arrest Cedric Irving Jr. at a local bus stop, recovering a firearm during the arrest.
27 October 2023: Tributes begin to pour in from the community, including vigils held in his memory.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Police reported the immediate arrest of the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., who was found with a gun. However, the police have not yet revealed a clear motive for the shooting, which has left many questions unanswered.

What was already established

John Beam had a significant impact on young athletes through his role at Laney College and was well-known for his participation in the reality series Last Chance U, which highlighted the challenges faced by community college football teams.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While this event is centred in the US, it raises concerns about gun violence and safety in educational institutions, issues that resonate globally, including in the UK. The incident may prompt discussions around safety measures in schools and colleges.

Businesses and jobs

John Beam's contributions to Laney College and the local community were significant. His death could affect the dynamics of the athletics department and the future of the college's sports programmes, potentially leading to shifts in hiring and funding.

Policy and regulation

This incident may reignite debates about gun control policies in the US, especially in educational settings. While UK policies differ, the conversation could influence discussions regarding violence prevention in schools.

Numbers that matter

66: Age of John Beam at the time of his death.
1: Number of suspects arrested following the shooting.
8: Number of episodes in the fifth season of Last Chance U that featured John Beam.

Definitions and jargon buster

Last Chance U: A documentary series that follows junior college football teams in the United States, focusing on their struggles and successes.
Laney College: A community college in Oakland, California, known for its athletics programmes.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the Oakland community will likely continue to mourn the loss of John Beam. Vigils and tributes may continue as people reflect on his legacy.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As investigations progress, more information regarding the motive for the shooting may come to light. This could influence community discussions about safety and support for those affected.

Signals to watch

Updates on the investigation and any potential charges against the suspect.
Community responses and initiatives concerning safety in schools.
Further tributes or events held in memory of John Beam.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage in community discussions about safety in schools and colleges.
Support local initiatives that promote youth sports and education.

Don’t

Ignore the issues surrounding gun violence and its impact on communities.
Let the memory of John Beam fade without recognising his contributions.

Checklist

Research local community events in support of youth sports.
Stay informed on developments regarding the investigation.
Consider participating in discussions about educational safety measures.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the suspect has been apprehended, the lack of a clear motive raises questions about underlying issues. The ongoing investigation may uncover more details that could change the current understanding of this tragic event. It is essential to approach the situation with caution, recognising the complexity of community relationships and the impact of violence.

Bottom line

The death of John Beam is a significant loss to the Laney College community and the wider world of American football. His legacy as a coach and mentor will likely inspire future generations, but the circumstances of his death highlight urgent discussions about safety and violence in educational settings.

FAQs

What happened to John Beam?

John Beam was shot at Laney College in Oakland, California, and later died from his injuries. He was known for his role in Last Chance U.

Who is Cedric Irving Jr.?

Cedric Irving Jr. is the suspect arrested in connection with the shooting of John Beam. He reportedly knew Beam but was not a former player.

What is the significance of Last Chance U?

Last Chance U is a documentary series that explores the challenges faced by junior college football teams in the US, showcasing the socio-economic issues surrounding them.