21 Nov Family of Slain Coach Expresses Gratitude to Community, Sympathy for Shooter’s Family

A memorial for former Laney College football coach and athletic director John Beam is seen outside the Laney College Athletics Department in Oakland on Monday. Beam was shot at the college on Thursday, Nov. 13, dying from his injuries that Friday. (Andres Jimenez Larios / Bay City News)

By Bay City News

The family of slain Laney College football coach John Beam issued a statement Friday expressing their appreciation for the support of the Oakland community and sympathy to the family of his alleged shooter.

“We are deeply grateful to the Oakland community and beyond for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support during this painful time,” the statement signed “The Beam Family” said a week after his death.

Beam, 66, was a highly respected figure in the Oakland community and the focus of one part of the Netflix series “Last Chance U.” He was shot shortly before noon Nov. 13 at the Laney College fieldhouse and died of his injuries the following morning.

“This past week has been unimaginable for our family, and the kind words and gestures have humbled and lifted us,” according to the statement provided by Tish Gallegos, who said she was acting on behalf of the family.

The family offered its sympathy to the family of 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr., who has been charged in Beam’s slaying.

“We want to acknowledge the family of the individual in custody for this tragedy,” the statement said. “We know they, too, are suffering, and we extend our hearts to them.”

Beam’s tenure at Laney College was featured on the Netflix documentary “Last Chance U” in 2020 and included a state championship. He came to Laney in 2004 as an assistant coach and became head coach in 2012.

Over the course of his coaching career, Beam developed more than 30 National Football League players, including seven Super Bowl participants, Peralta Community College District officials said.

“May John Beam’s memory remind us of unity, compassion, and strength,” the family said. “We are grateful to all who are standing with us. As we navigate our grief and seek peace, we thank you for honoring our family’s wishes for privacy.

“In his words: ‘I believe in you so you can believe in yourself.'”

Copyright © 2025 Bay City News, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.