Vince Zampella, Creator of ‘Call of Duty,’ Passes Away in Ferrari Accident
Prolific Game Developer Vince Zampella Dies in Ferrari Crash
A tragic accident has claimed the life of renowned video game developer Vince Zampella, who was killed in a Ferrari crash on December 21 along Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway.
According to a medical examiner’s report, Zampella died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation, with blunt trauma also noted as a significant factor. He was 56 years old at the time of his passing.
Zampella was a pivotal figure in the gaming industry, notably as the former CEO of Infinity Ward, the studio responsible for the immensely successful "Call of Duty" franchise. His impact extended further as he co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010, which was later acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2017. Respawn is widely recognized for popular games such as "Titanfall," "Titanfall 2," "Apex Legends," and "STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order." Additionally, Zampella led a team at another EA studio in Playa Vista, contributing to the "Battlefield" series.
The crash, classified as a single-vehicle incident, occurred just after the vehicle exited a tunnel and collided with a concrete barrier. The California Highway Patrol reported that Zampella, who was trapped in the vehicle, succumbed to the fire that ensued. A passenger in the car was ejected during the collision and later died at a hospital.
Zampella’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the gaming community, where his groundbreaking work has left an indelible mark.
