Vince Zampella, Head of Respawn Entertainment, former CEO of Infinity Ward, has passed away at the age of 55 following a single-car crash on Sunday afternoon on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway.

Vince Zampella, video game developer behind best-selling games like ‘Call of Duty,’ killed in crash on LA mountain road. https://t.co/Z3efEBMKJa

— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) December 22, 2025

According to the report, the single-car crash was reported around 12:45 pm on the scenic road north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. The southbound car veered off the road and hit a concrete barrier. The California Highway Patrol said that a passenger was ejected while the driver was trapped in the ensuing car fire.

Authorities told NBC4 Investigates that the driver died at the scene and the passenger died at a hospital.

Zampella rose to fame as a co-founder of Infinity Ward and helped create the Call of Duty franchise. In 2010, he co-founded Respawn Entertainment, the developers behind Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

In his incredible career, Vince Zampella:

– Worked on Medal of Honor
– Founded Infinity Ward
– Co-created Call of Duty
– Founded Respawn Entertainment
– Created Titanfall
– Created Apex Legends
– Was Head of Battlefield

RIP, Vince. 💔 pic.twitter.com/ZuZzzC4zCp

— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) December 22, 2025

Vince was also the head of DICE LA and helped spearhead the revival of Battlefield, which culminated with the successful release of Battlefield 6 earlier this year.

Many in the video game industry have reacted to the news on social media.

Vince was an extraordinary person — a gamer at heart, but also a visionary executive with a rare ability to recognize talent and give people the freedom and confidence to create something truly great.

I saw that up close while writing The Final Hours of Titanfall. I’ll always be…

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) December 22, 2025

Vince Zampella was not just an amazing game creator. He was also a friend.

In absolute shock right now. Rest in peace to an absolute legend and giant of our industry. pic.twitter.com/acqJxlD1u1

— JP Kellams (@synaesthesiajp) December 22, 2025

Absolutely heartbroken.

Vince Zampella created and lead so much incredible entertainment and innovation in games over his legendary life.

My tears and condolences to his dear family, his friends, and his colleagues.

So grateful I got to see him last week. So grateful for the…

— Donald Mustard (@DonaldMustard) December 22, 2025

This is tragic. I always loved working with Vince 🙁https://t.co/bNHTv0zdMw

— Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus 📱⌨️🖱️🎮 (@majornelson) December 22, 2025

Devastating and beyond heartbroken for the family of Vince Zampella. His path and impact on the industry are how I got my start and I will deeply mourn his loss. https://t.co/p6sKhQyH6E

— rebb ford (@rebbford) December 22, 2025