James Wehr, the 27-year-old founder of South OC Cars and Coffee, was killed early Saturday when the McLaren 720S he was riding in slammed into a tree in Irvine, California, split in two and burst into flames, according to police. A second person riding in the car also died.
The Irvine Police Department said the crash happened at 12.20am after the McLaren had been stopped at a traffic light. Investigators said the car then accelerated at a high rate of speed, causing the driver to lose control, clip a curb and barrel into a tree.
The crash came about an hour after Wehr was pulled over by police. He had posted an Instagram clip showing a police car parked behind the black supercar at Newport Beach, followed by a photo of the McLaren parked outside the Pendry hotel. It was not clear why the vehicle had been stopped.
Police have not said whether other vehicles were involved in the crash, and the exact circumstances that caused it remain unclear.
Family pays tribute
Wehr's mother, Sarah Wehr, described her son as a "magnificent man" with a love for his family and friends that was "second to none."
"I remember your first steps at our home in Perth, Australia. The first time you said 'Dada!', your very first word. I remember you sleeping through the night at 8 weeks. I remember everything. All of it," she wrote on Instagram. "Your insanely great belly-laugh and your cheeky smile. Thank you for all the years we were blessed to know and love you James. This slices from all sides. I hope you're getting a beer with Gramps as you both watch over us all. I love you son."
Wehr's wife, Emma, shared photographs from their relationship, including their wedding day. "James, I never thought the day would come that I'd have to say such a final goodbye," she wrote. "Getting the opportunity to love you will always be the greatest blessing in my life. I grew up with you and you opened my eyes to everything the world had to offer. You had such a zest for life and drive like no one I've ever met."
"You're smart, kind, funny, loving, and genuinely one of the best people I've had the pleasure of knowing," she continued. "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... Rest easy my love." She added: "I can't imagine a world without you. I love you so much, I always will."
Wehr's sister, Sophie Wehr, posted childhood photos of the pair, writing: "James, thank you. I'll live every day with you in mind and do everything I can to make you proud." His aunt, Milly, wrote: "My darling nephew James.. Rest easy beautiful boy. I will always love you. You left a legacy and will be in our hearts forever."
A community built around car shows
Wehr co-founded South OC Cars and Coffee with his father, Simon Wehr, hosting weekly meets every Saturday at the Outlets at San Clemente. The organisation has estimated that between 800 and 2,500 vehicles attend the events.
Wehr had attended a show hosted by the group earlier that same day. "It was so exciting to see everything roll in," Sarah Wehr wrote. "Thank you to our incredibly excellent volunteers, as well as everyone who brought their cars, bikes and trucks. Love this community so much."
Wehr previously said of the shows: "Getting to see people come out every week and enjoy the show. We see multiple generations of people walking around with their cars, and it's a great environment. We're super lucky."
Friends remember an 'icon'
Frankie, a friend who worked with Wehr at a restaurant, recalled watching him "become so successful in the automotive industry." "You were someone I truly admired and looked up to," he wrote. "The fact that you supported me and wanted to be the first guest on my podcast meant more to me than you know. You are family bro."
Amanda, another friend and regular at the car meets, called Wehr a "modern day Paul Walker" and "an icon in the car community," noting he died on Paul Walker's birthday. "This will not only rock the local car groups, but it will do so world wide," she wrote. "He was a photographer, car enthusiast, entrepreneur, and more. He was a son, husband, friend, leader, and icon in the car community."
Jasper, a friend and fellow car enthusiast, said Wehr had been one of his "biggest inspirations" for nearly a decade. "We had big dreams, big goals, promises we made each other," he wrote. "I'm going to miss you, but I'll never forget you."
Requests for comment were made to the California Highway Patrol, the Irvine Police Department and South OC Cars and Coffee.
