James Wehr, a co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee, was among two people killed in the Irvine single-vehicle crash.
IRVINE, CA — Two people were killed early Sunday when a 2019 McLaren traveling at high speed lost control, struck a curb and a tree and caught fire in Irvine, police said. Relatives identified one of the victims as 27-year-old James Wehr, a co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee.
The crash happened shortly after midnight Sept. 13 near Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue. Irvine police said the McLaren had been stopped at a red light on northbound Culver Drive before accelerating at a high rate of speed when the signal turned green. The driver then lost control, causing the car to leave the roadway and hit a tree. Authorities have not publicly identified the second person killed, and police have not said which occupant was driving.
The force of the collision caused the McLaren to split apart and catch fire, according to police. Irvine officers and Orange County Fire Authority crews responded to reports of the collision and vehicle fire at about 12:18 a.m. Firefighters extinguished the flames, but both people inside were found dead at the scene. No other vehicles were reported to have been involved.
Wehr was known in Southern California’s automotive community through South OC Cars and Coffee, a weekly gathering in San Clemente that draws owners and fans of exotic, classic and performance vehicles. Wehr helped run the event with his father, Simon Wehr, and appeared in social media posts connected with the gathering. The event has grown into a prominent regular meeting place for car enthusiasts in Orange County.
Wehr’s family confirmed his death in a message shared through the South OC Cars and Coffee Instagram account. The family said it had lost its “darling son and brother James” in a motor vehicle accident and asked for privacy while relatives processed the loss. The statement prompted condolences from members of the local automotive community.
Earlier in 2026, Wehr spoke with ABC7 about South OC Cars and Coffee as the gathering faced concerns from some San Clemente residents over noise. He described the event as a welcoming environment for enthusiasts. His involvement made him a recognizable figure among followers of the Orange County car scene and on social media devoted to high-performance vehicles.
Police have released only preliminary findings about the collision. Investigators said the McLaren accelerated rapidly after the traffic signal changed, but authorities have not announced an estimated speed or a final determination of what caused the driver to lose control. Police also have not publicly announced whether alcohol, drugs, a mechanical problem or any other factor played a role.
The identity of the second victim remained publicly undisclosed Monday. Authorities also had not announced whether additional forensic or collision-analysis findings were available. The Irvine Police Department is continuing its investigation and has asked anyone who saw the McLaren before the crash or who has information about the collision to contact investigators.
Author note: Last updated September 14, 2026.