Car influencer James Wehr was caught in an “extremely hazardous condition” when he crashed his 2019 McLaren, killing him and Alexis “Lexi” Kramer, an attorney for his widow claims.

Lawyer Corey Higgins from iAccidentLawyer released an Instagram video on Wednesday, September 16, announcing that he is representing James’ wife, Emma Wehr, following the influencer’s death in a motor accident in Irvine, California, on Sunday, September 13.

“At the time of the collision, a significant amount of water was present on the roadway on an otherwise clear night, creating an extremely hazardous condition for any motorist,” Higgins claimed in the video. “The source of that water is yet to be identified, and our firm is actively investigating how that water came to be there, how long that condition had existed and who may ultimately bear responsibility.”

Higgins continued, “As part of that investigation, we are also examining the crashworthiness of the vehicle that James was driving, including how that vehicle and its safety systems performed during the collision and whether the vehicle provided the level of occupant protection that should be reasonably expected under the circumstances.”

Related: Influencer James Wehr Was Driver in Deadly Crash, Pulled Over Hours Before

Car influencer James Wehr was in the driver’s seat of a 2019 McLaren that crashed on Sunday, September 13, killing him and Alexis “Lexi” Kramer, police confirmed. Wehr, 27, and Kramer, 22, suffered fatal injuries in the early hours of Sunday following an accident in Irvine, California, in which his supercar crashed into a tree, […]

“There are still important questions that need to be answered. Our team is working to preserve the evidence, investigate every potential contributing factor and determine the full sequence of events that led to this tragedy,” Higgins added. “Our thoughts remain with Emma and the Wehr family as we work to uncover the facts surrounding James’ death and protect our client’s legal rights.”

James, 27, and Kramer, 22, suffered fatal injuries in the early hours of Sunday morning when his supercar crashed into a tree, split in two and burst into flames.

“We have evidence that shows a female was in the passenger seat just before the collision,” Irvine Police Department spokesperson Kyle Oldoerp told Us on Wednesday, confirming that James had been in the driver’s seat.

Newport Beach police subsequently told Us that James had been pulled over by officials on Saturday, September 12, roughly five hours before the crash.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

Related: Influencer Deaths of 2026: Michiel Vandeweert and More Creators

Social media is paying tribute to many influencers who died in 2026. While recording a private New Year’s Eve livestream, Sergio Jiménez died at age 37. Days later, content creator Athira Auni died on January 3 at age 21 after a motorcycle accident. In February, Chinnu Papu died by suicide at age 24. In March, […]

Advertisement

“On 9/12 at 7:21 p.m., at Newport Blvd. and Finley Ave., an NBPD officer observed a vehicle with a loud exhaust and conducted a traffic stop. The stop resulted in a warning issued to the driver,” Newport Beach Police Department spokesperson Heather Rangel said.

James was the cofounder of a popular weekly car meetup, South OC Cars and Coffee, in San Clemente, California. Kramer, from Lakeland, Florida, was a model who appeared in the 2026 Hooters calendar.

A family member of Kramer’s told the California Post earlier this week that she had flown to California on Friday, September 11, to spend the weekend with James. The relative also claimed that James had told Kramer he was in the midst of divorcing his wife.

The first reactions to Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil have arrived, and the filmmaker behind Barbarian and Weapons may have another horror hit on his hands.

Early reactions to Sony Pictures’ latest attempt at bringing the iconic video game franchise to the big screen are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with critics praising the film’s gore, humor, scares and commitment to the survival-horror atmosphere of the games.

Cregger’s Resident Evil follows Austin Abrams as a medical courier who finds himself caught in a zombie outbreak while attempting to make a delivery to Raccoon City General Hospital. Cregger co-wrote the screenplay alongside Shay Hatten, with Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Paul Walter Hauser also starring.

While the film tells an original story rather than adapting one of the games directly, the early word suggests Cregger has captured what makes Resident Evil work.

Flickering Myth critic EJ Moreno called the movie a “true horror blockbuster,” adding:

“Zach Cregger goes bigger, scarier, and at his most fun.”

Moreno also said Resident Evil is the type of movie that should be experienced “on the biggest screen with a big crowd.”

Mark Cassidy offered similarly strong praise, arguing that despite not featuring familiar characters or storylines from the games, the movie successfully taps into their relentless tension.

Director Zach Cregger (right) and Austin Abrams on the set of Constantin Film and Columbia Pictures Resident Evil DUŠAN MARTINČEK/SONY PICTURES

Advertisement

“Zach Cregger has actually delivered the most faithful take yet.”

Cassidy described the film as “very bloody, very funny” and revealed that it managed to make him jump three times.

Kellvin Chavez was even more enthusiastic, praising a movie that apparently wastes little time getting started.

“Zach Cregger delivers relentless suspense, gloriously gory action.”

Chavez also highlighted what he described as twisted, The Thing-like creature designs and called the movie “pure survival horror.”

Film critic Tristian Circa ‘89 praised the balance between horror and comedy, saying the movie is “just as intense and horrifying as you’d expect” while still incorporating humor. He also singled out Abrams as an everyman protagonist whose natural charm makes him easy to root for.

Variety’s Jordan Moreau delivered perhaps the strongest reaction of the bunch, calling Resident Evil:

“One of the best video game adaptations ever made.”

Austin Abrams in ‘Resident Evil’ (2026). Credit : Dušan Martinček/Sony Pictures

Moreau also called it one of the best recent horror movies and praised Abrams’ performance as he stumbles his way through the zombie outbreak.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Cregger’s take on the franchise has been his decision to tell an original story.

The new movie does not center on established Resident Evil characters such as Leon S. Kennedy or Jill Valentine. Cregger has previously acknowledged the criticism surrounding that decision, but these early reactions suggest his film may compensate by remaining faithful to the atmosphere, tension and survival-horror experience of the games.

The franchise has already produced seven live-action theatrical films, beginning with the Milla Jovovich-led Resident Evil in 2002 and most recently returning to theaters with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City in 2021. The films have collectively earned more than $1.2 billion worldwide.

Now Cregger gets his opportunity to take audiences back to Raccoon City.

Resident Evil hits theaters September 18.

For many artists, reaching the pinnacle of success only fuels the desire for more. For Jelly Roll, however, the opposite may be true. 

The country star is at a career high, collecting major awards, earning industry recognition, and securing a place among Nashville’s most celebrated performers. 

Yet instead of focusing on what comes next in music, the singer is openly contemplating whether his future could lie somewhere entirely different.

Jelly Roll surprised fans with a candid reflection on his future while speaking backstage at the Grand Ole Opry during an interview with Y’all Access Radio’s Kelly Sutton. 

Rather than discussing new goals or career milestones, the Grammy-winning performer revealed that he felt he had already accomplished everything he once hoped to achieve in the music industry.

The 41-year-old artist explained that he was now looking beyond personal ambition and focusing on spiritual direction.

“Everything that Jason or Jelly Roll wanted to do in the music business, I’ve done now, so at this point I really need to go talk to God and see if he wants me to stick around, or what he wants me to do next,” he said.

Jelly Roll suggested that if he felt called to a completely different purpose, he would have no problem walking away from fame altogether.

“If God tells me to go work at a homeless shelter in Paducah, Ky., I’m outta here,” added Jelly. “Y’all will never see me again.”

The singer pointed to the remarkable list of achievements he has already checked off, saying, “He gave me everything I ever wanted, man — Grammys, ACMs, CMAs, I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry, like — God has done it.”

3

Jelly Roll’s comments quickly sparked an emotional reaction online, with many Facebook fans encouraging the singer to remain in music even as he considers what comes next. 

While supporters respected his desire to follow his faith, many argued that his impact on people’s lives is evidence that he is already fulfilling a greater purpose through his work.

Several fans pointed to Jelly Roll’s longstanding belief in God, agreeing that he should continue seeking spiritual guidance while reminding him of the influence he has on others. 

One supporter wrote, “You can do anything as long as you keep God in your heart. He will direct you what to do for what he wants you to do.”

Others focused on the connection he has built with his audience over the years. One fan urged the country star not to view awards and career milestones as a reason to step away, writing, “He wants you to keep performing for the thousands of FANS that love you so much. Don’t quit because you have awards etc…. do it for you but please don’t leave your fans.”

Among the most heartfelt responses was a plea that reflected what many fans appeared to be feeling. “Please stay. You’ve made such an impact on so many people. Of course, follow God’s will..” another commenter wrote.

Jelly Roll’s Touring Break Suddenly Looks A Lot More Real

3

For fans hoping Jelly Roll’s comments about walking away from music were simply a moment of reflection, the 41-year-old had already revealed plans that point toward a significant step back from the spotlight.

During a concert in Salt Lake City, Jelly Roll stunned the crowd by explaining that his Colorado Springs performance would be his last show for quite some time. 

Rather than talking about new tour dates or future appearances, he spoke candidly about the need to slow down after years of nonstop work. 

“This has truly been a lifetime experience for me,” he told fans per PEOPLE. “And in a couple of nights, I go to Colorado Springs and do my last show for a year or two. I’m fixing to take some time off and heal. Thank you for the opportunity.” 

The announcement followed one of the busiest periods of his career. Since breaking into the country mainstream, Jelly Roll has earned Grammy Awards, ACM Awards, CMA honors, multi-platinum singles, and a No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 with Beautifully Broken. 

More From The Blast

Jelly Roll Says Donald Trump Jokes ‘Messed With People’s Heads’

3

Just as discussion about his future intensified, Jelly Roll found himself responding to backlash over jokes he made while guest-hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

As The Blast reported, the controversy began after Jelly Roll referred to President Donald Trump as “full of sh-t” while discussing the president’s public statements. 

He also mocked Trump’s weight and joked about the president’s involvement in plans surrounding an IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., comments that quickly spread across social media and conservative media circles.

The reaction was immediate. Some viewers applauded Jelly Roll for treating politicians like any other public figure ripe for late-night comedy, while others slammed his comments. 

When Jelly Roll eventually addressed the controversy, he made it clear that nobody had pressured him into making the jokes.

“I was just telling it like it is,” he said per EW, rejecting suggestions that he had been fed lines or forced to take a political position. 

The singer also admitted he was genuinely surprised by the intensity of the response. “It messed with people’s heads,” Jelly Roll added, later describing the uproar as “the weirdest thing I’ve ever done to stun people” considering his history as a former felon, recovering addict, and heavily tattooed performer who has spent years defying expectations.

Bunnie Xo Revealed Just How Deeply Her Split From Jelly Roll Affected Her

While Jelly Roll was dealing with public criticism, his ex-wife Bunnie Xo was opening up about the painful reality of life after their divorce.

Appearing on Jenna Bush Hager’s “Open Book” podcast on September 3, Bunnie revealed that the breakup affected far more than her emotions. 

The podcast host said the split took such a severe physical toll on her that members of her team were forced to step in during some of her lowest moments.

“There was moments when my team had to pick me up off the floor and give me IVs,” she noted, explaining that she struggled to eat after the couple separated. 

The weight loss that followed was dramatic. “I was eating baby food to get by. I lost 20 pounds,” Bunnie revealed before adding, “Heartbreak, man, it’s the best freaking diet.” 

The former couple had been married for nearly a decade before Jelly Roll filed for divorce in May, with the proceedings finalized in July. According to Bunnie, however, she has no interest in allowing the breakup to define the rest of her life.

“That’s all you can do. When life hands you lemons, make freaking lemonade,” she said while discussing her efforts to move forward.