Tragic Loss: Call of Duty Co-Creator Vince Zampella Killed in Fiery Ferrari Crash

December 23, 2025

The gaming world is in mourning following the sudden death of Vince Zampella, the visionary co-founder of Infinity Ward and a pivotal force behind the blockbuster Call of Duty franchise, in a devastating single-car accident in Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains.

Horrific Crash on Scenic Highway Claims Two Lives

The accident occurred around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday along the winding Angeles Crest Highway, a popular but treacherous route known for its sharp turns and history of fatal incidents.

Authorities reported that a red 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS veered off the road shortly after exiting a tunnel, slammed into a concrete barrier, and burst into flames. Zampella, 55, was driving the high-performance sports car and became trapped inside, perishing at the scene amid the inferno.

A passenger was ejected from the vehicle and rushed to a hospital but succumbed to injuries shortly after. The identity of the passenger has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Investigators are examining the cause, with no immediate indication of drugs or alcohol involvement, though the probe continues.

A Titan of Gaming: Zampella's Enduring Legacy

Born in 1970, Vince Zampella began his career in the 1990s, cutting his teeth on titles like Medal of Honor: Allied Assault before co-founding Infinity Ward in 2002 alongside Jason West and Grant Collier.

The studio's partnership with Activision birthed Call of Duty in 2003—a game that revolutionized first-person shooters and spawned one of the best-selling franchises in history, with over 500 million copies sold worldwide.

Under Zampella's leadership, Infinity Ward delivered acclaimed entries including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2, cementing the series' dominance.

After a high-profile departure from Activision in 2010 amid disputes over royalties, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment, where he oversaw hits like Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.

More recently, he guided the Battlefield franchise at Electronic Arts, contributing to its ongoing evolution.

Industry in Shock: Tributes Pour In

Electronic Arts, Respawn's parent company, expressed profound grief: "Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment and inspired millions."

Infinity Ward echoed the sentiment, stating Zampella "will always have a special place in our history" as one of its founders.

Colleagues and fans alike highlighted his passion for innovation, mentorship, and pushing creative boundaries, noting how his games defined generations of players.

A Life Cut Short: Remembering a Pioneer

Known for his enthusiasm for high-performance cars—a passion evident in his social media posts—Zampella's untimely death on a road favored by enthusiasts adds a poignant layer to the tragedy.

As the gaming community grapples with this immense loss, tributes continue to flood in, celebrating a man whose creations brought adrenaline-fueled excitement to countless screens.

Zampella leaves behind an indelible mark on interactive entertainment, ensuring his legacy endures long after this heartbreaking end.

Rest in peace to a true legend whose virtual battlefields will echo forever.