The family of Lexi Kramer alleges that car influencer James Wehr concealed the true state of his marriage from her before the California crash that claimed both of their lives, according to reporting by TMZ.com.
A family member told TMZ that Lexi believed James genuinely loved her and that his divorce was nearly complete when he arranged and paid for her flight to California for what would be their first in-person date. The two had connected through Instagram direct messages and had been communicating for roughly a month before the trip, the family member said.
According to the family's account, James told Lexi that he and his wife were close to finalizing a divorce. After both James and Lexi died, the family member said James' wife reached out to them and the two parties discussed the relationship between James and Lexi. The relative said James never disclosed the full truth about his marriage — that neither he nor his wife had filed for divorce — and that he persuaded Lexi of his love for her.
The family member also contends that James' reckless driving caused Lexi's death, asserting that she was placed in a perilous situation without being told the truth about his personal life.
The fatal crash occurred early Sunday in Orange County, California. James was behind the wheel of a McLaren when he lost control of the vehicle, which struck a tree and caught fire. Lexi, who was riding as a passenger, died in the crash as well.
Investigators with the Irvine Police Department are reviewing possible contributing factors, including the condition of the roadway and the vehicle, the McLaren's speed, and any circumstances that may have influenced James' operation of the car.
The family member told TMZ that James' parents have not made contact since the crash, and that the family is still working to obtain Lexi's remains — an ordeal that has compounded their grief over losing her so unexpectedly.