Who Is John Beam's Wife, Cindi? Meet Their 2 Daughters As 'Last Chance U' Coach Got Shot Dead

Former football coach, John Beam, met with a tragic end on November 14, 2025. The sportsperson who gained fame from Netflix's documentary series, Last Chance U, succumbed to a fatal wound he sustained after being shot on the Oakland campus the previous day. He was 66 years old at the time of his death. John Beam's death sent shockwaves among his family, friends and fans. Hours after he was shot, the suspect was also identified and arrested. Amid that, let's take a look at John's bereaved family, including his wife, Cindi and their children.

Meet Cindi, John Beam's wife and their two daughters

Cindi Beam is a therapist and the late John Beam's wife, the respected Laney College coach and athletic director. The couple met when they attended a speech by Angela Davis. Cindi and John were married for many years and raised two daughters, Sonjha and Monica, according to the Peralta Citizen. Cindi often attended events with her late husband, including during his induction into the Bay Area Multi-Ethnic Hall of Fame in 2015. The event was the HOF banquet at the Waterfront Hotel in Jack London Square and was also attended by John and Cindi's daughters. The former football coach's family requested privacy as they navigate the difficult period following his passing. Crediting John as a family man, the statement included:

"We are devastated that John Beam our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, coach, mentor and friend has passed… We are deeply grateful for your continued prayers, well wishes and thoughts."

John Beam often shared his appreciation for his children, Sonjha and Monica, on social media, calling them his 'beautiful, incredible daughters'. His and Cindi's family also included their grandchildren, Lola and Nori. John's surviving family also included his elder sister, Sue. John and Sue's mother was reportedly from Korea, and their father, Ed Beam, was American. Ed was a Navy veteran who was often called 'Jim' Beam by his family. John expressed gratitude towards his father for being the one to teach him how to be a father.

John's father was his biggest cheerleader, who always supported him in his endeavours. The late sportsperson learnt 'tough love' from Ed Beam. John's father also taught him how to be a reasonable and responsible grandfather to his two granddaughters, one of whom is named Lola. Regarding his father's love and his own role as a grandfather, John Beam stated:

"He showed me how to be a father…always believing in me and having my back. He taught me tough love and how to be a Tootsie grandpa and spoil his grand kids."

How did John Beam die? All about the shooting incident

John Beam, the former football coach featured in the Netflix series, Last Chance U, died from a gunshot wound after being shot on the college's campus in Oakland, California. The incident occurred around noon on November 13, 2025, near an athletic fieldhouse. John was transported to Highland Hospital in critical condition, where he died the next day. Police arrested the suspect, Cedric Irving Jr., a 27-year-old, in connection with the shooting. Authorities described the shooting as a 'very targeted incident'. Although the suspect knew John Beam, they did not have a close relationship, and no motive has been publicly released at this time.

More about John Beam

John Beam, better known as Coach Beam, spent over 40 years coaching thousands of young people in the Oakland area, earning a reputation as a mentor and educator in the community. He joined Laney College in 2004, becoming the head coach in 2012 and eventually the athletic director. He led the Eagles to two league titles and a state championship in 2018, the season before the team was featured on season 5 of Last Chance U in 2020. John Beam retired from coaching in 2024 to focus solely on his role as athletic director. With his untimely death, John left behind his loved ones and his legacy.

We share our heartfelt condolences with John Beam's family and hope they find the strength to cope with the grief of his passing.

Also Read: John Beam's Death, Last Insta Post Of 'Last Chance U' Coach Before Being Shot, A Tribute To His Dad

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