Vince Zampella cause of death: How did Call of Duty co-creator die at 55?

One of the most influential figures in modern video gaming, Vince Zampella, died at 55 following a tragic car crash in California. His death was confirmed by Electronic Arts, the parent company of Respawn Entertainment, the studio he co-founded and led at the time of his passing.Authorities said the fatal crash occurred Sunday afternoon on a Los Angeles-area highway. Zampella was traveling in a high-performance Ferrari when the vehicle veered off the road, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. Both occupants of the car died from their injuries. Zampella’s sudden demise has prompted tributes from colleagues, studios, and players across the world who credited Zampella with changing how games are built and experienced.

Vince Zampella's cause of death details confirmed by authorities

According to the California Highway Patrol, the single-vehicle crash took place around 12:45 p.m. on Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains. Investigators said the car left the roadway for reasons still under review before slamming into a barrier and becoming fully engulfed in flames.

“For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed,” the California Highway Patrol said in a statement to the BBC.

Officials confirmed that the passenger was ejected from the vehicle while the driver remained trapped inside. Both individuals later died from their injuries. Authorities stated that it remains unclear whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash, and the identity of the passenger has not been publicly released.Electronic Arts issued a statement shared with the BBC, saying, “This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince's family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work.”

Vince Zampella cause of death sparks tributes to lasting gaming legacy

Zampella co-created Call of Duty in 2003 alongside longtime collaborators Jason West and Grant Collier. Inspired in part by World War II, the franchise went on to sell more than 500 million copies and become one of the most profitable properties in entertainment history. He later helped build Medal of Honor, Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series, earning a reputation for putting players first. After a highly publicized split from Activision in 2010, Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment, which was acquired by EA in 2017. Infinity Ward, the original studio behind Call of Duty, also honored him, stating on X, “Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable.”Zampella’s death has created a huge void in the gaming world.Also Read: Is Ada in Resident Evil Requiem? New leaks, rumors, and more explained