Vincent Zampella, Creator of “Call of Duty,” Dies in Car Crash

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Vincent Zampella, the renowned author behind “Call of Duty,” died due to burns and smoke inhalation. He sustained serious injuries when he was trapped in his burning Ferrari during a fatal crash in December 2025. Additionally, blunt force trauma was noted as a major factor, leading the coroner to categorize his passing as an accident. He was 55 years old.

As reported, Zampella’s red Ferrari was traveling south along Angeles Crest Highway when it seemed to lose control, ultimately going off the road. The car collided with a concrete barrier, igniting almost instantly. Tragically, he could not escape the driver’s seat as flames engulfed the vehicle.

Dramatic footage of the incident captured the car prior to the crash, showing it speeding through a tunnel. Some witnesses even attempted to rescue those trapped in the wreckage.

This stretch of road is notorious for high-speed driving, and, interestingly, signs of skidding were evident at the scene. However, investigators have yet to officially determine what caused the crash.

Zampella, who led Respawn Entertainment, previously managed Infinity Ward, the studio responsible for the “Call of Duty” franchise.