The Bay Area sports community is in mourning following the tragic and senseless death of Laney College athletic director and football icon John Beam. The 66-year-old, who was featured in the Netflix documentary series 'Last Chance U', was shot in the head on Thursday at the Oakland campus where he worked.
A Community in Mourning
After being rushed to the hospital, John Beam ultimately succumbed to his wounds. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, prompting heartfelt responses from some of the biggest names in Bay Area sports. Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry delivered a poignant message following his game, sending his thoughts and prayers to the grieving family and community.
Curry expressed his sorrow, stating, '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.' He acknowledged the difficulty of such senseless violence and highlighted Beam's legendary status, noting that the coach 'touched a lot of lives.' When asked, Curry confirmed he had never personally met the coach.
Steve Kerr's Powerful Tribute
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr began his pregame press conference in San Antonio on Friday by honoring the late coach. Dressed in a white t-shirt bearing the words 'John Beam', Kerr called it a 'really, really sad day' for the Bay Area and Beam's family.
Kerr stated, 'He was a revered figure in Oakland - he did so much for so many people.' On behalf of the Warriors, he extended condolences and issued a powerful call to action, saying, '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.'
Justice Sought and a Family's Grief
Oakland police moved swiftly, apprehending 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. early on Friday morning. A gun was recovered at the scene, and the arrest was made without incident. Oakland police assistant chief James Beere revealed that the suspect was known to frequent the Laney campus and was there for a 'specific reason', though no further details were provided.
John Beam is survived by his wife, Cindi, his two children, and two granddaughters. In an official statement, the family described him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend. They expressed being 'devastated' by their loss and requested privacy as they grieve, while also acknowledging the 'outpouring of love and support' they have received.
With a coaching career spanning more than four decades, John Beam was a beloved pillar of the college athletics community. His sudden and violent death has left a profound void in Oakland and the wider Bay Area, uniting figures like Curry and Kerr in shared grief and a call for change.
