Speed appears to have played a key role in a tragic crash that killed car influencer James Wehr, 27, and Hooters calendar girl Alexis "Lexi" Kramer, 22, early Sunday morning in Irvine, California.
Key facts
The crash occurred shortly after midnight near Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue.
Witnesses estimated the McLaren was traveling at speeds of up to 100 mph when it lost control.
Wehr and Kramer had met in person for the first time just hours before the crash.
Both victims died at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the dangers associated with high-speed driving and the tragic consequences that can occur, especially among young individuals in the automotive community.
The crash serves as a reminder of the risks involved in high-performance vehicles and reckless driving.
It raises questions about the safety measures and responsibilities of car enthusiasts, particularly in social media-driven cultures.
The victims were prominent figures in their respective communities, making the loss even more impactful.
Driving the news: The crash occurred shortly after midnight on September 15, 2026, when Wehr's purple McLaren was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, the vehicle accelerated rapidly before the driver lost control.
The McLaren struck a curb and then crashed into a tree, splitting apart upon impact and igniting a massive fire.
Authorities confirmed both occupants died at the scene, with speed being a likely factor in the accident.
"We believe that speed was a factor in this," Ziggy Azarcon, a public information officer with the Irvine Police Department, said.
State of play: Investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the crash, which could take six months or longer due to the complexity of reconstructing the incident.
Evidence suggests the McLaren was traveling at an extremely high rate of speed, with some witnesses estimating it may have been going as fast as 100 mph.
No official determination of the vehicle's speed has been made as the investigation is still underway.
The department's major accident investigation team is working diligently to complete their full investigation.
The big picture: Both Wehr and Kramer were well-known figures in their communities, and their deaths have sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes.
Kramer was a Hooters calendar girl who recently earned an associate degree from Polk State College and was known for her passion for cars.
Wehr was a co-founder of South OC Cars and Coffee, a popular car enthusiast gathering that attracts thousands each week.
Friends and family described Kramer as kind, funny, and charismatic, with a deep love for the automotive community.
What they're saying: Family members and friends have expressed shock and sadness over the sudden loss of both individuals.
"Lexi was so much more than just my best friend; she was all of my love, my heart, my attitude, and my humour wrapped into a smaller, more chaotic, less filtered package," Gracie Kramer, Lexi's sister, said.
Wehr’s wife, Emma, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing him as "smart, kind, funny, loving" and one of the best people she had known.
"Getting the opportunity to love you will always be the greatest blessing in my life," she wrote.
What's next: The investigation into the crash is expected to take several months as authorities gather evidence and reconstruct the events leading up to the accident.
Authorities have not released details about who was driving the McLaren at the time of the crash.
As the investigation continues, the automotive community is left mourning the loss of two promising young lives.
Tributes are expected to pour in from fans and fellow enthusiasts as the community reflects on the impact of this tragedy.