Vince Zampella, one of the co-creators of Call of Duty, died in a high- speed car crash in California at the age of 55.

What happened

  • Zampella was driving a Ferrari on Angeles Crest Highway, a mountainous road near Los Angeles, when the car crashed into a barrier and caught fire.
  • News outlets report that speed appears to have been a factor in the crash, and video clips show the car emerging from a tunnel before hitting a concrete wall and bursting into flames.
  • A passenger in the car was also killed in the accident, according to broadcast reports.

When and where he died

  • The crash happened on Angeles Crest Highway in Southern California, a route known for sharp turns and steep drops.
  • Reports state that Zampella died on or around December 20, 2025, with the news becoming public a day or two later through official statements and media coverage.

Official confirmation and tributes

  • Electronic Arts, the parent company of his studio Respawn Entertainment, publicly confirmed his death and described it as an “unimaginable loss,” highlighting his impact on the gaming industry.
  • Fans, developers, and gaming communities across forums and social platforms have been posting tributes, remembering him as a key creative force behind Call of Duty, Modern Warfare, Titanfall, and Apex Legends.

His role in creating Call of Duty

  • Zampella co-founded Infinity Ward and helped create the original Call of Duty in 2003, which grew into one of the biggest shooter franchises in the world.
  • Later, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment, leading teams behind Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series, further cementing his legacy in modern shooters.

TL;DR: The Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella died in a high-speed Ferrari crash on Angeles Crest Highway in California, where his car hit a barrier and caught fire, killing him and a passenger.