LOS ANGELES (VINnews)— Vince Zampella, the influential video game developer who co-founded the studios behind the blockbuster “Call of Duty” franchise and hits like “Apex Legends,” died Sunday in a single-car crash on Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. He was 55.
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Zampella was driving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS southbound when the vehicle veered off the road shortly after exiting a tunnel, struck a concrete barrier and burst into flames around 12:45 p.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.
The driver was trapped in the burning car and pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger was ejected and later died at a hospital, authorities said. The passenger’s identity has not been released.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were factors, the CHP said.
Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and served as its CEO, leading development of early “Call of Duty” titles including “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.” After a high-profile departure from Activision, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio, acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017, produced “Titanfall,” “Apex Legends” and the “Star Wars Jedi” series.
“This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work,” Electronic Arts said in a statement. “Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching.”
Respawn Entertainment called Zampella “a titan and legend of this industry” whose legacy would endure for generations.
Zampella was known as an avid car enthusiast and often shared photos of luxury vehicles on social media.
The winding Angeles Crest Highway is popular among drivers and motorcyclists but has a history of fatal accidents.