American football coach John Beam shot dead aged 66

Heartbreaking news.

Beam died after being shot on the college campus where he worked.

Police say that the suspect knew and targeted Beam.

Beam, who was in a critical condition after being shot, sadly died in hospital hours later.

Oakland Assistant Chief James Beere said that "this was a very targeted incident".

Cedric Irving has been arrested over Beam’s death.

The 27-year-old knew the coach but “did not have a relationship” with him, Beere said.

Irving played high school football at Skyline High, but not under Beam.

Though he did not attend Laney College, the suspect had gone there 'for a specific reason' and had been known to 'loiter on or around the campus', according to Beere.

Tributes have poured in for Beam who has been described as a 'giant' who helped 'thousands of young people'.

Two of Beam's former players, brother Nahshon and Rejzohn Wright, who currently play in the NFL, posted to social media in the aftermath of his death.

One wrote: "You meant the world to me."

Mayor Barbara Lee wrote: "For over 40 years, he has shaped leaders on and off the field, and our community is shaken alongside his family."