Gracie Kramer is accusing James Wehr of deceiving her sister before the fatal crash.
Lexi Kramer, 22, a Florida bartender and 2026 Hooters calendar model, died alongside Wehr, 27, when his McLaren slammed into a tree in Irvine, California, around 12:20 a.m. Sunday, according to Gracie, who spoke to The Post. The impact split the supercar in half and ignited a fireball that killed both occupants instantly. Authorities have not disclosed who was behind the wheel and the crash remains under investigation.
Gracie said Lexi flew from Lakewood, Florida, to Southern California on Friday after Wehr paid for her ticket. The pair had connected on Instagram about one month earlier and communicated daily before arranging their first in-person meeting. Over the weekend they had breakfast together, went on a first date, and attended Wehr’s weekly car show in San Clemente, which draws thousands of enthusiasts and is billed as the world’s largest of its kind.
Hours before the crash, the couple dined at Nobu and had drinks at the Pendry Hotel, Gracie said. Wehr posted to his Instagram Story from the Pendry, followed by an image of the McLaren during what appeared to be a police stop.
Wehr allegedly told Lexi that his marriage to Emma was finished and a divorce was in progress. Gracie told The Post she doubted his claims. Orange County court records reviewed by The Post showed no divorce filing.
“[He] talked to her every day all the time and finally got her to fly out to California to come see him,” Gracie said.
She continued: “That man lied to my sister and said his divorce was finalizing and he was fully separated.”
Gracie described her sister as passionate about “American muscle cars and motorcycles,” She said Lexi had recently earned an associate’s degree from Polk State College and had just accepted a leadership position with a new company. Her Instagram bio identified her as a 2026 Hooters calendar girl.
“She loved the car community, so it’s such a tragedy that that’s what ended her,” Gracie told The Post.
The Kramer family provided dental records to the medical examiner’s office, which had not officially released either victim’s name at the time of reporting. Gracie said she has been overwhelmed by messages from people sharing memories of Lexi.
“As you can imagine, this was very shocking and hard. She was kind and funny and charismatic and I’ve had so many people reach out and share their wonderful experiences with Lexi,” she said.
Gracie shared a carousel of photos honoring Lexi on Instagram, writing: “My mother always told us growing up that there was always only one person meant to be with you and have your back no matter what and that would always be your sister.”
She added: “Lexi was so much more than just my best friend, she was all of my love, my heart, my attitude, and my humor wrapped into a smaller, more chaotic, less filtered, package.”
Wehr was identified Sunday morning by his family and the South OC Cars and Coffee community. His family described him in a statement as their “darling son and brother” and requested privacy while mourning. Emma Wehr posted her own tribute on Instagram with a carousel of photos showing the couple 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.
She continued: “You’re smart, kind, funny, loving, and genuinely one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Getting the opportunity to love you will always be the greatest blessing in my life.”
Police said the McLaren was stopped at a red light near Culver Drive and Deerfield Avenue shortly after midnight. When the light turned green, the vehicle accelerated at high speed, the driver lost control, and it struck the tree. The force of the impact tore the car apart and sparked the fatal fire.
The Wehr family has asked for privacy as it mourns his death.