Irvine, California – James Wehr, the 27-year-old co-founder of South OC Cars & Coffee, has died after a fiery single-vehicle crash in Irvine, California, early Sunday, September 13, 2026. The collision also claimed the life of another person whose identity has not been publicly released.
According to reports on the crash, the incident happened shortly after midnight near the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue. A 2019 McLaren was reportedly stopped at a traffic light before accelerating northbound when the signal changed. The vehicle then lost control, struck a curb and hit a tree. The force of the collision split the McLaren in two, after which the vehicle caught fire.
Firefighters extinguished the flames and found two occupants inside the wreckage. Both died at the scene. Authorities have not publicly established who was driving the vehicle, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation by the Irvine Police Department. No other vehicles were reported to have been involved.
Who Was James Wehr?
Wehr was widely known within Southern California’s automotive community through South OC Cars & Coffee, the weekly gathering he helped build with his father, Simon Wehr. The event is held at the Outlets at San Clemente and brings together enthusiasts displaying exotic, classic, performance and collector vehicles.
Historical coverage of the event identifies James and Simon Wehr as its co-founders and describes the gathering as having grown from a small enthusiast meet into a major weekly automotive event.
South OC Cars & Coffee has also described itself as the world’s largest weekly car show, with event listings reporting attendance ranging into the thousands. The gathering has attracted a broad community of car owners and enthusiasts over the years.
Wehr’s role extended beyond organizing the event. In 2023, he represented South OC Cars & Coffee in a partnership with automotive technology company Reviver, highlighting his involvement in the wider car industry and enthusiast community.
News of his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family members, friends and members of the automotive community. His family described him as a beloved son and brother and asked for privacy while mourning. His wife, Emma, has also shared a tribute.
As the Irvine Police Department continues its investigation, further details about the crash, including the identity of the second victim and the driver’s identity, may be released as authorities complete their work.