Hundreds Gather for Tribute to Influencer James Wehr After Fatal McLaren Crash
Car enthusiasts paid homage to the co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee in Southern California following his death.
Hundreds of car lovers gathered in Southern California on Saturday for a tribute to influencer James Wehr, who died in a fiery McLaren crash on September 13. The Sept. 19 memorial was held at the Outlets at San Clemente, the site of the weekly South OC Cars and Coffee event that Wehr, 27, co-founded with his father.
The turnout featured a large display of luxury and performance vehicles, with many cars displaying "James Wehr Forever" decals and a prominent photo of Wehr adorned with flowers. The event, which typically draws between 1,500 and 3,000 vehicles, is described as the world's largest weekly car show.
Wehr and his passenger, Alexis "Lexi" Kramer, 22, were killed when Wehr's 2019 McLaren lost control and crashed shortly after midnight in Irvine. Police stated that Wehr accelerated at a high speed after a traffic light turned green, subsequently losing control of the supercar. The vehicle then struck a curb and a tree, splitting apart and catching fire.
Dashcam footage from another vehicle appears to show the McLaren traveling over water on the roadway before the crash. The origin of this water is reportedly under investigation by Wehr's widow, Emma, who has retained attorney Corey Higgins. Higgins is reportedly looking into whether the wet road conditions contributed to the collision.
Court records obtained by TMZ indicated that Wehr had a history of traffic violations, including a speeding ticket in February 2025 and citations for an expired license, tinted windows, and a missing front license plate.
Social media posts from the tribute showed an extensive gathering of cars and attendees, with one user, Luke Saylor, writing, "To be remembered like this. What an incredible turnout for James Wehr. A pretty special event."
Attendees shared tributes online, with one person remembering Wehr as an "amazing son, nephew, grandson, friend, mentor, colleague to everyone who knew him." Wehr's mother, Sarah, posted a private tribute on Instagram recalling his birth and growth into manhood, expressing love for her son. The weekly car event, which Wehr helped manage as a family operation with volunteers and community members, has been a popular fixture in the Southern California car scene.