James Wehr, 27, was killed Saturday night in Irvine when his McLaren hit a tree, breaking in two before bursting into flames. The owner of South OC Cars and Coffee died along with another person, whose identity has not yet been released, reports the “New York Post”.
James Wehr had attended one of his car rallies earlier in the day. An hour before the fatal accident, he posted a photo on Instagram appearing to show that he was being stopped by police in Newport Beach. According to investigators, the 2019 McLaren was stopped at a red light before accelerating north when it turned green. The vehicle was traveling at a high speed when the driver apparently lost control. The car hit a curb, then a tree, splitting in two before catching fire.
The young man’s violent death sent shockwaves through his loved ones and the automotive community. “James, I never thought that one day I would have to say such a final goodbye to you. Having had the chance to love you will always remain the greatest blessing of my life,” his wife, Emma, wrote on social networks. “You were smart, kind, funny, loving and honestly one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing,” she added.
“The best brother I could have hoped for”
His mother, Sarah Wehr, spoke about his birth and the years that followed. “It’s too early. We brought you into the world at 2:36 a.m. on August 17, 1999, and watched you grow into the beautiful man you were,” she wrote. Originally from Australia, the Wehr family then settled in the United States. His sister described him as “the best brother I could have asked for.”
Tributes also poured in from the automotive community. One close friend wrote: “James, you’re practically family at this point. A big brother, an idol. You have been one of my greatest sources of inspiration and pushed me to move forward in life for almost ten years.” For years, James and his father, Simon, spent their Saturdays in the parking lot of South OC Cars and Coffee, filming the vehicles for the event’s YouTube channel. The rally regularly attracted hundreds of cars and spectators.
