James Wehr, founder of South OC Cars and Coffee, the world's biggest weekly car show, died after his McLaren smashed into a tree and caught fire in California, multiple outlets reported.
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Wehr, 27, and his passenger Alexis "Lexi" Kramer were killed in the fiery crash, according to KTLA.
The incident occurred early Sunday morning, Sept. 13, in Irvine, California.
The impact split the vehicle into pieces and caused it to catch fire, trapping the driver and passenger inside.
"I was about to go to bed, and then I heard a big like, skrrrr and then a big boom. Me and my friends come out. Ginormous fire," witness Sid said. "The whole car is just gone."
First responders extinguished the fire, but the two people inside the vehicle could not be saved.
"When the fire was put out, they were found deceased inside their vehicle," Irvine Police Department representative Kyle Oldoerp said.
Earlier that day, Wehr attended a South OC Cars and Coffee car show.
Tributes Pour in For Car Show Founder James Wehr
Following his tragic death, James' wife, Emma, wrote a heartfelt tribute to her husband on Instagram.
"James, I never thought the day would come that I'd have to say such a final goodbye. Getting the opportunity to love you will always be the greatest blessing in my life," she captioned photos of herself and James.
"You're smart, kind, funny, loving, and genuinely one of the best people I've had the pleasure of knowing," she added.
She added, "Like I said in my vows, I'm so grateful to have gotten the chance to live my life at the same time that you lived yours. Whether it's in this lifetime or the next, my heart will always find its way to you. Rest easy, my love."
James and Emma wed in July 2025.
Wehr co-founded South OC Cars and Coffee alongside his father in 2017. The weekly car show was held in San Clemente, California, and attracted hundreds of luxury vehicles.
"Unfortunately, we have some really heavy news to share with you all," South OC Cars & Coffee wrote on Instagram, confirming Wehr's death. "This morning, we lost our darling son and brother James in a motor accident."
