On the morning of the 13th, a serious car accident occurred in Irvine, California, involving a McLaren sports car that lost control at an intersection, crashing into a tree and bursting into flames. The two occupants in the car were killed on the spot, including James Wehr, the well-known founder of the South OC Cars and Coffee, a popular car gathering in South Orange County. The police are still investigating the cause of the accident, including the identity of the driver and whether other vehicles were involved.
According to reports from the New York Post, the Irvine Police Department stated that the accident took place around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 13th, at the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue in Irvine, California.
Upon receiving the report, the Orange County Fire Authority rushed to the scene. The police reported that the 2019 McLaren sports car was stopped at a traffic light, then accelerated north after the light turned green. The vehicle appeared to lose control, hitting the curb first before colliding violently with a tree, leading to the car splitting in two and catching fire.
In the wreckage of the severely damaged vehicle, two fatalities were discovered. The police are currently investigating the cause of the accident and have not confirmed any involvement of other vehicles.
Prior to the fatal accident, Wehr had participated in his long-running car event, South OC Cars and Coffee. Just an hour before the accident, he posted a photo on Instagram showing him being pulled over by a police car in Newport Beach. The post garnered attention, but the reason for the stop has not been clarified by the authorities, nor is there evidence linking the incident to the subsequent crash.
South OC Cars and Coffee, held every Saturday morning at the Outlets at San Clemente in San Clemente, initially started as a family interest gathering and evolved into a large event for car enthusiasts. The organizers estimated that the event typically attracted around 800 to 1,000 cars each week, with some weekends seeing as many as 2,500 vehicles.
Wehr had been involved in the event for years alongside his father, Simon Wehr. They would patrol the parking lot every Saturday, admiring the displayed cars and filming videos that were later shared on the event’s YouTube channel.
To ensure the safety of the event, around 50 volunteers assisted each week in directing traffic, managing crowds, and enforcing regulations against speeding, burnouts, and noisy engines.
Wehr had previously described the gathering as a rare and cherished environment where car enthusiasts of all ages could come together.
Following Wehr’s passing, his wife Emma shared several photos of them together on social media, mourning her husband. She expressed disbelief at having to bid farewell to him and described falling in love with Wehr as one of the greatest blessings in her life.
She praised him as intelligent, kind, humorous, and loving, acknowledging him as one of the most exceptional individuals she was fortunate to know.
Wehr’s mother, Sarah, also posted online to commemorate her son. She reminisced about Wehr’s birth and upbringing, expressing sorrow at his premature departure and stating that his love for friends and family was unparalleled.
Wehr’s sister similarly paid tribute to her brother, calling him her “best brother”.
Wehr’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the car enthusiast community. Many fans expressed that Wehr was not just an event organizer for them but also a mentor and role model.
A long-time acquaintance of Wehr regarded him as a family member, looking up to him as a brother and idol, and cited him as a significant figure who had inspired continuous effort over the years.
The family of Wehr has appealed for privacy on social media, urging others to give them space during this difficult time. They advised everyone to cherish their loved ones, hold them close, and express the importance and love they feel every day.