Two killed in Irvine McLaren crash that ignited after hitting a tree
A McLaren collided with a tree and caught fire in Irvine, killing the driver and a passenger, one of whom was James Wehr, co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee.
Two people died after a McLaren lost control, jumped a curb and struck a tree at the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue in Irvine shortly after midnight, police said. The impact split the vehicle and ignited a fire that trapped the driver and passenger inside.
Relatives identified the driver as James Wehr, who co-founded the South OC Cars and Coffee weekly gathering in San Clemente with his father, Simon. The second victim has not been identified.
A witness described hearing a loud noise and seeing a large fire, while another praised the rapid response of officers. Irvine Police Department spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp said first responders extinguished the blaze but found both occupants deceased.
Investigators are asking anyone who saw the McLaren before the crash to contact authorities.