What happened to James Wehr? Everything to know about the South OC Cars & Coffee founder in the wake of his death at 27

Social media influencer and co-founder of the immensely popular San Clemente-based car show South OC Cars and Coffee, James Wehr, died at 27 after a severe car crash in California's Irvine on September 13, 2026. According to People, Wehr's car, which was a McLaren luxury sports car, was found near Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue after the accident.

According to People, citing the Irvine PD and Orange County Fire Authority, James Wehr's car was on fire. As per ABC7, while there were two victims in the car crash, one was Wehr, and the other person's identity has not yet been confirmed.

The unfortunate news of Wehr's death was announced and confirmed in an Instagram post shared on the official page of South OC Cars and Coffee. The Instagram post featured a picture of James Wehr standing with his father, Simon Wehr, who is the other co-founder of the San Clemente-based car show. The caption read:

"Hi South OC Cars and Coffee family. Unfortunately, we have some really heavy news to share with you all. This morning, just after midnight, we lost our darling son and brother James, in a motor accident."

As cited by People, according to the Irvine PD, James Wehr's car was moving at an extremely high speed, and authorities believe the crash occurred because the driver lost control of the vehicle. However, South OC Cars and Coffee's caption continued and stated:

"We respectfully ask for privacy as a family, as we process this profound loss. We would appreciate all of your good thoughts and prayers, and for those of you who knew James, thank you for being his friends, his mentors and his peers."

The caption further noted:

"Thank you for being his clients and his loved ones. We are grateful for all of you. Please hug your loved ones tightly today. Tell them every day how valuable they are to you. Tell them you love them."

James Wehr's mother, Sarah Wehr, shares a heartfelt Instagram post following her son's unfortunate demise

According to People, after James Wehr passed away in a serious car accident, his mother, Sarah Wehr, took to her Instagram and shared a carousel post with multiple pictures of James over the years. While she poured her heart out in the caption of the post, Sarah wrote:

"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. Your love for people, for your friends and your family, was second to none. I remember your first steps at our home in Perth, Australia."

She went ahead and wrote:

"The first time you said ‘Dada!’, your very first word. I remember you sleeping through the night at 8 weeks. I remember everything. All of it. Your insanely great belly-laugh and your cheeky smile."

Sarah concluded by writing:

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"Thank you for all the years we were blessed to know and love you James. This slices from all sides. I hope you’re getting a beer with Gramps as you both watch over us all. I love you my handsome, hilarious son. 27 years, 21 days."

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