John Beam, the star of hit Netflix documentary Last Chance U, is in hospital in a critical condition after a college campus shooting.
Beam, who is the Athletic Director at Laney College University, was taken to hospital after the incident at the college on Thursday, authorities confirmed.
Police were called to Laney College University on Thursday 12 November
At around 12:00pm on Thursday (November 12) Oakland police officers were called to respond to reports of a shooting at the Laney College Fieldhouse, where Beam was found shot.
The star of the Netflix documentary was taken to Highland Hospital, according to Peralta Community College District spokesperson Mark Johnson.
Updating the media on Beam’s condition, Johnson said: “The Peralta community is devastated by his shooting and deeply concerned for his well-being.
“We are stunned and heartbroken that such violence has touched our campus and one of the most respected and beloved members of our Laney, Peralta, and Oakland community.”
So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
John Beam. Credit: Netflix
John Beam became famous on Netflix show Last Chance U
Beam, who has been working at the college since 2006, shot to public attention during documentary series Last Chance U.
The series follows college football programs in the United States that are outside of the major schools, shining a light into the corner of the massive machine of American academic athletics.
Beam’s team - the Laney Eagles - featured in the fifth season of the show, as they attempted to compete with other teams in California.
The 66-year-old has been coaching football for more than four decades, and has won awards for his role, including the Coach of the Year award from the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAAA).
The series focusing on Beam and Laney aired in 2020.
Beam is in a critical condition in hospital. Credit: Netflix
According to his profile, Beam has coached 20 players who have made it to the NFL, as well as more than 100 who went on to play Division 1 football.
In a 2022 interview, he spoke of his pride, and his desire to inspire others to follow that path.
"I put the jerseys [of Laney NFL players] up there to inspire folks.
"But then on Thursdays, I bring in other folks that come in that have played for me that are now doctors, or write books, or are police officers, or firemen.
"And so I want to let everybody know that these are all possibilities."