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1300+Irvine police have confirmed that James Wehr, the 27-year-old co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee, was driving the McLaren that split in half and caught fire during a high-speed crash early Sunday, September 13, killing both people inside.
What Happened During the Fatal Car Accident
The crash occurred just after midnight at the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue in Irvine. According to the Irvine Police Department, a 2019 McLaren 720S was stopped at a red light heading north on Culver Drive. When the light turned green, the driver accelerated at a high rate of speed, lost control, struck a curb, and slammed into a tree.
The impact split the McLaren into two pieces before it caught fire. Officers and Orange County Fire Authority crews responded and extinguished the flames, but both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims of Car Crash Identified
Wehr, who co-founded South OC Cars and Coffee with his father, Simon, was identified by family and friends shortly after the crash. The passenger has since been identified as Alexis Kramer.
South OC Cars and Coffee, billed as the world’s largest weekly car show, posted a statement on Instagram confirming Wehr’s death and asking for privacy as the family grieves.
Police Update on the Driver
In the immediate aftermath, investigators said it was not yet confirmed who had been behind the wheel at the moment of impact. Police have since determined that Wehr was driving. The investigation into the exact cause of the crash, including whether speed was the primary factor, remains active.
A Community Loss
Wehr was a well-known figure in Southern California’s car community, having grown South OC Cars and Coffee from a small weekend meetup in San Clemente into a gathering that regularly draws between 1,000 and 3,000 vehicles.
He appeared frequently on automotive podcasts and social media, and the McLaren involved in the crash was a vehicle he often featured on his own Instagram.
When a Fatal Car Accident Involves a Speeding Vehicle
Fatal crashes involving high-powered sports cars often raise complicated questions about speed, vehicle control, and liability, especially in single-vehicle collisions where the driver is also a victim.
When a passenger is killed in a crash caused by another occupant of the vehicle, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking damages for gross negligence.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a fatal car accident in Orange County, San Bernardino County, or a neighboring area, our compassionate wrongful death attorneys from Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
Contact our local law offices today for a free consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.