On September 13, a fatal collision involving James Wehr, 27, co-founder of South Orange County Cars and Coffee, and his passenger, 22-year-old Alexis “Lexi” Kramer, occurred when Wehr’s modified McLaren 720S veered off course, collided with a tree, and ignited.
The original crash occurred near the intersection of Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue in Irvine, California. The impact was so violent that the McLaren separated into multiple pieces.
The wreckage was transported to a secured tow facility in nearby Costa Mesa. However, on October 14, the vehicle spontaneously ignited while sitting at the facility, with nobody near it.
Surveillance cameras captured the front section of the McLaren bursting into flames. Authorities do not suspect arson, and both the original crash and the mysterious second fire remain under investigation.
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Investigators confirmed that the original crash caused extensive damage to the McLaren’s electrical system. This damage could have contributed to the second fire, although the cause has yet to be determined.
The McLaren 720S uses a 12-volt lithium-ion starter battery, but it is not an electric vehicle. The second fire is unusual, and investigators hope to determine the cause to prevent another tragedy in the future.
James Wehr and Alexis “Lexi” Kramer lost their lives in the original crash. The crash was tragic, and it has had a significant impact on their families and friends. The investigation into the crash and the second fire is ongoing, and it may take some time to determine the cause.
