A crash involving a McLaren sports car on Sunday night in Irvine, Orange County, resulted in the deaths of two occupants, authorities and family members said. The vehicle lost control, struck a tree, and ignited a large fire at the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue, according to police reports.

The driver was identified as 27-year-old James Wehr, a local car influencer and entrepreneur known within the Orange County automotive community. Wehr co-founded South OC Cars & Coffee, a popular weekly gathering featuring hypercars, muscle cars, and motorcycles. The passenger was 22-year-old Alexis Kramer, a model originally from Florida who had recently relocated to California.

According to investigators, Wehr accelerated quickly through a red light before losing control of the vehicle. The speed limit at the location is 50 mph, and authorities believe speed was a significant factor in the crash. The McLaren left visible burn marks on the pavement and split in two upon impact with a tree, then caught fire, also burning nearby shrubs.

Both families have expressed profound grief over the incident. Wehr’s mother described him on social media as a loving individual who had grown from his early years in Australia into a devoted husband; he married his wife, Emma, in 2025. Emma posted a private tribute, emphasizing their life together and her enduring love. Kramer's sister mourned her as a best friend and soulmate, sharing childhood photos and memories. Kramer had modeled for the 2026 Hooters calendar, among other projects.

Records indicate that Wehr had multiple traffic violations dating back several years, including a speeding citation for exceeding 100 mph in 2023, which was later dismissed. The nature of the relationship between Wehr and Kramer remains unclear, though family members noted the two met via Instagram prior to Kramer's move to California.

Irvine has faced ongoing challenges related to illegal street racing and reckless driving, despite efforts by law enforcement to curb such activities using drone surveillance and specialized enforcement units. The deadly crash has jolted the local community, with a silver cross now displayed at the crash site as a memorial to the victims. Both families and residents continue to grapple with the sudden loss of two young individuals.