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Gaming Legend Vince Zampella Passes Away in Car Accident
Published Date: 12/23/2025
The gaming world mourns the loss of Vince Zampella. The co-creator of Call of Duty and founder of Respawn Entertainment has died in a car accident in Los Angeles.
The video game industry has been shaken by devastating news. Vince Zampella, one of the most influential figures in modern gaming and a key mind behind franchises like Call of Duty, Titanfall, and Apex Legends, has died following a traffic accident.
According to recent reports, the accident occurred in Los Angeles, cutting short the life of the 55-year-old visionary who reshaped the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre.
Details of the Tragic Accident
The incident took place on Sunday at approximately 12:45 PM on the Angeles Crest Highway, north of Los Angeles. Zampella was driving a red 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the vehicle went out of control shortly after exiting a tunnel in the San Gabriel Mountains. The car struck concrete barriers while traveling southbound. Following the collision, the vehicle caught fire.
Tragically, Zampella was trapped inside the burning vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the car was ejected during the crash and transported to a hospital with severe injuries but later passed away. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the passenger.
While the exact cause of the crash on the winding forest road is still under investigation, a witness has turned over video footage of the impact to authorities. This footage has reportedly begun circulating on social media.
A Titan of the Industry
Vince Zampella’s resume reads like a history of modern gaming success. He famously served as the CEO of Infinity Ward, where he was instrumental in creating the Call of Duty franchise, which became a global phenomenon.
In 2010, he founded Respawn Entertainment. Under his leadership, the studio was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2017 and released massive hits including:
- Titanfall & Titanfall 2
- Apex Legends
- STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order
EA Issues Statement
In an official statement, Electronic Arts (EA) described Zampella’s death as an "unimaginable loss." The company highlighted his deep and far-reaching influence on the gaming world, stating that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of developers and players alike.
As of now, neither his family nor other officials from Respawn Entertainment have issued further comments.
Honoring a Legacy
Vince Zampella gave players some of the most memorable moments in gaming history. From the cinematic intensity of Call of Duty to the fast-paced action of Apex Legends, his work defined an era.
As the community remembers his contributions, many are returning to the worlds he helped build.