IRVINE, Calif. — A devastating early-morning crash in Irvine has left Southern California’s car community mourning after a well-known car influencer was killed when a McLaren slammed into a tree and erupted in flames.
The single-vehicle crash happened around 12:18 a.m. Sunday at Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Police and Orange County Fire Authority crews rushed to the scene after reports that the vehicle was on fire. Once firefighters extinguished the flames, two people were found dead inside the wreckage.
One of those victims has since been identified by family and friends as James Wehr, 27, a prominent figure in Orange County’s automotive community and co-founder of South OC Cars & Coffee.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the community that knew Wehr through the massive weekly car gatherings he helped build.
McLaren Crashed Into Tree at High Speed
According to a preliminary investigation, the McLaren had been stopped while traveling north on Culver Drive at Deerfield Avenue.
When the traffic light turned green, the driver accelerated rapidly, investigators said. The vehicle then lost control as it traveled along the roadway. The McLaren veered to the right, struck a curb and then slammed into a tree. The impact was catastrophic.
Investigators said the force of the collision split the 2019 McLaren in two, after which the vehicle caught fire. Emergency crews arrived at the scene, but both occupants were pronounced dead.
Police have not said whether speed was the only factor involved, and the investigation remains ongoing. It also remains unclear who was behind the wheel when the crash occurred.
James Wehr Remembered by South OC Cars & Coffee
News of Wehr’s death spread through the local car community Sunday morning.
Around 10 a.m., the South OC Cars & Coffee Instagram account confirmed that Wehr was one of the victims and shared a heartbreaking message from his family.
The organization described Wehr as a beloved son and brother while announcing that he had died in a motor accident.
Wehr’s connection to the automotive community ran much deeper than simply attending car shows. He was a co-founder of South OC Cars & Coffee, an event that grew into one of the area’s most recognizable weekly automotive gatherings.
According to the organization’s website, the event originally began in the parking lot of a Target store in San Clemente. As attendance increased, Wehr and his father, Simon Wehr, moved the gathering to the Outlets at San Clemente.
Massive Car Meets Became Wehr’s Legacy
South OC Cars & Coffee became known for bringing together an extraordinary range of vehicles every Saturday. The gatherings were held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., rain or shine, and attracted an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 vehicles.
The event welcomed everything from hypercars and supercars to vintage automobiles, classic vehicles, muscle cars, sports cars, hot rods, pickups and motorcycles.
There was no registration requirement, and spectators were welcome, helping create an accessible gathering place for car enthusiasts from across the region.
Wehr’s mother, Sarah Wehr, who also helped with the organization, shared an emotional tribute to her son Sunday evening.
She remembered his childhood, his laughter and his close relationships with friends and family, describing him as a magnificent man whose love for people was unmatched. Her message reflected the deep personal loss behind the tragedy and the impact Wehr had on those closest to him.
Police Continue Investigating Deadly Crash
Although Wehr has been identified by family and friends, police have not officially identified him, and the identity of the second victim has not been released.
Authorities are also still working to determine exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash and who was driving the McLaren.
The Irvine Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the investigation. Anyone who may have information about the crash is asked to contact Detective David Juarez at 949-724-7047.
As investigators work to piece together the final moments of the crash, friends, family and members of Southern California’s car community are left remembering a young man whose passion helped bring thousands of automotive enthusiasts together.
What are your thoughts on this tragic crash and James Wehr’s impact on the Southern California car community? Share your condolences and thoughts in the comments.
