Who Was James Wehr? Founder of World’s Biggest Car Show South OC Cars and Coffee Killed in Horror McLaren Crash Hours after Being Pulled Over by Cops

The founder of a popular car show died in a fiery crash in California after his McLaren slammed into a tree, just an hour after police had stopped him. James Wehr, 27, who owned South OC Cars and Coffee, died in the crash along with another driver Saturday. The other driver’s identity hasn’t been revealed.

The fatal crash occurred around 12:20 a.m. near the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue in Irvine. Wehr had taken part in one of his usual car shows earlier that day. An hour before the crash, he shared a photo on Instagram that appeared to show a police vehicle stopping him in Newport Beach.

Tragic End

After Wehr’s death, his wife, Emma, paid tribute to him online, sharing a series of photos documenting their life together. “James, I never thought the day would come that I’d have to say such a final goodbye. Getting the opportunity to love you will always be the greatest blessing in my life,” she wrote.

“You’re smart, kind, funny, loving, and genuinely one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing,” she added.

The tribute featured several photographs of the couple from different moments they had shared together.

Meanwhile, officers and crews from the Orange County Fire Authority responded to the scene after receiving a report of a single-vehicle crash.

Investigators said the 2019 McLaren was stopped at a traffic signal before heading north once the light turned green. Police said the car was moving at a high speed when the driver apparently lost control.

The McLaren hit a curb before crashing into a tree with enough force to split the vehicle in half. It then caught fire. Two people inside the wreckage were pronounced dead. Authorities are still investigating what led to the crash and have not said whether another vehicle was involved.

Beyond his passion for cars and the large weekly gatherings he helped build, Wehr was remembered by those closest to him as a devoted son, brother, husband and mentor.

His mother, Sarah Wehr, also shared an emotional tribute to her son, reflecting on his birth and the years she spent watching him grow. “It’s too soon. We brought you into this world at 2:36am, August 17, 1999 and watched you grow into the magnificent man you are,” Sarah wrote.

She also praised the way Wehr cared for those around him, saying his “love for people, for your friends and your family, was second to none.”

Star in His Own Right

The Wehr family originally came from Perth, Australia, where James was born before they later relocated to the United States. His sister also paid tribute to him, remembering James as “the best brother I could have asked for.”

The news of his death also prompted an outpouring of grief from the broader car community. Many remembered him as someone whose impact went well beyond organizing the popular Saturday morning event.

One community member said James had become like a member of his own family and looked up to him as both an older brother and a role model. “James, you’re basically family as this point. Big bro, an Idol. You’ve been one of my biggest inspirations and one to keep pushing me in life for the better part of a decade,” the person wrote.

The tribute added: “To be honest, there were times where I wanted to be just like you, but in my own way.”

Another person from the community highlighted the lasting influence James had on others, saying he encouraged people to challenge themselves and work toward their ambitions.

James and his father, Simon Wehr, regularly spent their Saturdays at South OC Cars and Coffee, walking around the parking lot, checking out the cars and recording footage for the event’s YouTube channel.

What began as a family interest eventually developed into a major weekly gathering at the Outlets at San Clemente, attracting hundreds of vehicles and spectators.

Organizers have said the event generally draws between 800 and 1,000 vehicles, while attendance has climbed to as many as 2,500 cars on some weekends.

Simon previously said his own passion for automobiles began when his older brother introduced him to cars at 16. He later passed that enthusiasm on to James.

“Nothing’s easy,” Simon previously said when discussing the effort involved in running the weekly event.

The family also appealed for privacy as they grieve James’ death. “Please hug your loved ones tightly today. Tell them every day how valuable they are to you. Tell them you love them,” the family wrote.