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 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.”