What Happened?

Vince Zampella, the influential video game developer best known for co-creating the “Call of ⁣Duty” ⁤franchise and founding Respawn ‌Entertainment (“Apex ‍Legends”), died on Sunday, April 7, 2024, ‌in​ a car crash ⁢on Angeles ⁤Crest⁤ Highway in California. He was 55 years old.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash ⁢occurred at approximately 12:43 p.m. near Mile Post 62.70. A red ⁢2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, traveling southbound, veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both Zampella, the driver, and a passenger ⁣were pronounced dead at the ‌scene.

Who Was Vince Zampella?

Vince Zampella was a pivotal figure in⁣ the video ⁢game industry. He co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002, which quickly rose ⁤to prominence with the release of ⁣”call of Duty” in​ 2003.He served⁣ as CEO and ⁤creative⁤ leader, overseeing the development of several ⁤critically acclaimed and commercially accomplished “Call of Duty” titles, including “Call of Duty 2,” “Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare,” and “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.”

In 2010, Zampella was controversially ousted from Infinity Ward following a dispute with activision, the publisher⁤ of “Call of Duty.” He subsequently co-founded Respawn Entertainment with⁢ Jason West, also a former Infinity Ward executive.

Respawn Entertainment achieved meaningful success with “Apex Legends,” a⁢ free-to-play battle royale game released in 2019. ⁣The studio was acquired by Electronic Arts (EA) in 2017, but Zampella continued to lead Respawn as its president.

The Angeles Crest Highway and the Crash

Angeles Crest Highway is a scenic, winding road in the San Gabriel Mountains of California, known⁣ for its challenging curves and stunning views.‌ The highway had been closed for several years due​ to storm damage but‍ reopened in August 2023.

The CHP investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the crash remains unknown.‌ Video footage circulating ⁢online appears to show a red Ferrari traveling at a high speed before ​losing control and colliding with a concrete barrier. The vehicle was a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, ⁢a hybrid convertible.