Popular Southern California car influencer James Wehr was killed early Sunday when a McLaren crashed into a tree and burst into flames in Irvine, California. He was 27.
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Wehr, who co-founded South OC Cars and Coffee with his father, Simon Wehr, was one of two people killed in the crash, according to ABC7 in Los Angeles. The second victim had not been publicly identified.
Police said the McLaren was stopped at a traffic light at Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue shortly after midnight. When the light turned green, the driver allegedly accelerated rapidly, lost control, jumped a curb and struck a tree.
The impact reportedly tore the car into pieces before it caught fire, trapping both occupants. First responders extinguished the flames, but neither person survived.
Wehr had become well known in Southern California's car community through South OC Cars and Coffee, a weekly San Clemente gathering featuring everything from classic cars to high-end exotics. The event has grown into what organizers describe as the world's largest weekly car show.
Wehr's family confirmed his death on Instagram.
"We lost our darling son and brother James in a motor accident," the family wrote. "We respectfully ask for privacy as a family as we process the profound loss."
Police are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone who saw the McLaren before the crash to contact authorities.
