A cloud of grief hangs over the video game community with the news of Vince Zampella’s death. The 55-year-old co-creator of the iconic Call of Duty franchise and executive at Respawn Entertainment died in a fiery car crash on Sunday afternoon on a Los Angeles mountain road. His untimely demise in a high-speed Ferrari accident has sent shockwaves through the industry.
Electronic Arts (EA), a company integral to Zampella’s career, confirmed his passing on Monday. The organization paid tribute to his significant impact, stating, “This is an unimaginable loss, and Vince Zampella was for us, and I’m sure for many others, a visionary creator whose work has shaped the world of interactive entertainment as we know it today.”
Chilling video footage has surfaced, documenting the terrifying final moments of the incident. The clip features a crimson 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS accelerating out of a tunnel on the Angeles Crest Highway. Shortly after emerging, the supercar goes into an uncontrollable skid, swerving violently before colliding head-on with a concrete barrier. The vehicle was instantly engulfed in a massive inferno.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has initiated an investigation into the crash, which occurred on December 21 at 12:45 p.m. Reports indicate the impact was so severe that one individual was ejected from the Ferrari. Tragically, both Zampella, who was behind the wheel, and his passenger, sustained fatal injuries and were later pronounced deceased. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause, considering factors such as speed and potential automotive issues.