OAKLAND, Calif. — John Beam, a prominent football coach and athletic director at Laney College, died on Friday, one day after being shot on campus. He was 66 years old. Beam gained national recognition for his role in the Netflix series "Last Chance U," which highlighted his dedication to mentoring young athletes.

Police confirmed that Beam was shot on Thursday before noon. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announced Beam's death during a press conference on Friday morning.

Beam's family expressed their devastation in a statement, describing him as a "loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, and friend." They requested privacy as they mourn his loss.

Authorities arrested 27-year-old Cedric Irving Jr. in connection with the shooting. He was taken into custody at the San Leandro BART station around 3:15 a.m. on Friday. Police recovered a weapon at the scene. Assistant Police Chief James Beere stated that the shooting was a "very targeted incident" and that Irving knew Beam, although they did not have a close relationship.

Beere noted that the suspect had previously played high school football in Oakland but did not play for a team coached by Beam. The investigation is ongoing, and police are still determining the motive behind the shooting.

Beam was well-known for his commitment to helping young people succeed both on and off the field. He served as the head coach of the Laney College Eagles, leading the team to numerous championships and achieving a graduation rate of over 90% among his players. Many of his former players have gone on to play in the NFL, including Super Bowl champions C.J. Anderson and Marvel Smith.

Piedmont Police Chief Fred Shavies, who had known Beam since childhood, described him as a father figure to many in the community. "John was so much more than a coach," Shavies said. "He was an absolutely incredible human being."

Beam's impact extended beyond sports. Mayor Barbara Lee praised his legacy, stating, "He gave Oakland's youth their best chance, and he never stopped fighting for them."

The shooting of Beam occurred just a day after another shooting at Oakland's Skyline High School, where Beam had previously coached. The mayor emphasized the ongoing issue of gun violence in the city, calling for a collective commitment to address the crisis.

As the community mourns the loss of John Beam, tributes continue to pour in from former players and colleagues, highlighting the profound influence he had on their lives.

Beam's family and friends remember him as a dedicated mentor who shaped the futures of thousands of young athletes, leaving a lasting legacy in Oakland and beyond.