Call of Duty Developer Vince Zampella Dies in Ferrari Crash
- 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,...
- According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the crash occurred at approximately 12:43 p.m.
- Vince Zampella was a pivotal figure in the video game industry.
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Vince zampella, Video Game Pioneer, Dies in Car crash at 55
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.
| Vehicle | Year | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| ferrari 296 GTS | 2026 | Hybrid Convertible | Total Loss |