Lexi Kramer’s family has launched a GoFundMe appeal to cover funeral costs and bring the 22-year-old’s body back to Florida after she died in a car crash in Irvine, California.
Kramer was travelling as a passenger in a McLaren driven by car influencer James Wehr when the vehicle crashed into a tree early on Sunday. Both died after the car caught fire.
Her family said the fundraiser was set up solely to pay for her funeral and the transportation of her remains from California to Florida, rather than for legal costs.
A relative said Kramer’s body had not yet been released because the investigation into the crash was continuing. The appeal had raised more than $9,000 by Wednesday.
Kramer’s sister, Kaitlin Gracie Kramer, described her as “the funniest, kindest, and most exhilarating person I’ve ever had the privilege to know”.
She said the family wanted to hold a celebration of life for Kramer, giving relatives, friends and members of their community a place to remember her.
Kramer, who was from Florida, had been in California after meeting Wehr through Instagram, according to a family member. The relative said the pair had been speaking for about a month before Wehr paid for her flight, and that they had spent the day together before the crash.
Kramer’s family also claims Wehr, who was married, had told her he was finalising a divorce. Her relatives further allege that his family has made no effort to contact them.
Footage of the crash shows the McLaren travelling along the road before crossing a wet patch. Wehr appears to brake and lose control, with the car leaving the road, mounting a kerb and striking a tree before bursting into flames.
Police in Irvine are investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash.
