It was a shocking loss for athletes, coaches and Oakland residents who had come to rely on the wisdom and dedication of a man known around town simply as Coach Beam.

John Beam’s death has rocked everyone who knew or knew about him. From professional sports to high school sports, the outpouring of admiration and love for the 66-year-old former Oakland football coach who was gunned down on Thursday at Laney College and died Friday has been non-stop.

Authorities are working to locate the shooting suspect, described as a man wearing dark clothing, police said.