Vince Zampella, 'Call of Duty' Co-Creator, Dies at 55 in Tragic California Crash
Vince Zampella, renowned for co-creating the 'Call of Duty' video game series, has passed away in a car accident in California at the age of 55. Electronic Arts, the owner of Respawn Entertainment, a game studio he helped establish, confirmed his death.
Authorities reported that Zampella was in a Ferrari with a passenger when it collided and ignited on a picturesque road north of Los Angeles.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that, for reasons not yet determined, the vehicle swerved off the road, hit a concrete barrier, and was completely consumed by flames. The victims of the crash were not identified.
The CHP reported that both the driver and a passenger, who was thrown from the vehicle, died from their injuries. It is still uncertain whether Zampella was the one driving and the identity of the other person in the car with him. The cause of the accident is still being investigated.
A video depicting a cherry-red Ferrari, severely damaged and ablaze on a mountain road, was circulated on social media. Another footage captured the instant when the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS veered off the road and collided with a mountain wall.
Regarding Vince Zampella
Zampella gained recognition for co-developing the 'Call of Duty' series and establishing Respawn Entertainment, the company responsible for 'Titanfall', 'Apex Legends', and the 'Star Wars Jedi' games.
Beginning his career in the 1990s as a designer for shooter games, he co-established Infinity Ward in 2002 and played a key role in the release of 'Call of Duty' in 2003. His studio was subsequently acquired by Activision.
He departed from Activision amid controversial conditions and founded Respawn in 2010, which was purchased by Electronic Arts in 2017.
At EA, he ultimately assumed responsibility for rejuvenating the "Battlefield" series, solidifying his status as a key figure in contemporary first-person shooter games.
Electronic Arts expressed in a statement that this is an inconceivable loss, and their thoughts are with Vince's family, his loved ones, and everyone influenced by his work.
The company stated that Vince had a significant and extensive impact on the video game industry, noting that his contributions were instrumental in shaping contemporary interactive entertainment.
