Video Game Icon Vince Zampella Among Victims

A tragic and still-developing incident on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway has sent shockwaves through the video game community and beyond. According to information obtained by NBC4 Investigates, acclaimed video game designer Vince Zampella was reportedly killed Sunday afternoon in a fiery single-car crash in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles.

What Authorities Say Happened

The crash was reported at approximately 12:45 p.m. on the scenic but notoriously winding two-lane highway. The California Highway Patrol stated that a southbound Ferrari had just exited a tunnel when it veered off the roadway, slammed into a concrete barrier, and caught fire.

Authorities said the driver was trapped inside the burning vehicle, while a passenger was ejected during the impact. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the passenger later died at a nearby hospital. The identity of the passenger has not yet been released.

A witness reportedly provided video footage to investigators showing a red 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS striking the barrier immediately after exiting the tunnel. The hybrid mid-engine sports car is capable of producing more than 819 horsepower.

A Giant in the Video Game Industry

Zampella, 55, is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern video game development. He is the co-founder and head of Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind blockbuster titles such as Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Respawn was acquired in 2017 by Electronic Arts.

Before founding Respawn, Zampella served as CEO of Infinity Ward, the studio credited with shaping the early success of the Call of Duty franchise. One of the best-selling series in entertainment history.

He also more recently led an EA studio team in Playa Vista responsible for development work on the Battlefield franchise.

Tributes From the Gaming World

In a statement attributed to EA, the publisher described Zampella’s influence on gaming as “profound and far-reaching,” calling him a visionary creator whose work helped define modern interactive entertainment.

Washington Post video game critic Gene Park, who had met Zampella, described him as both brilliant and humble.

“He really knew how to create stories and experiences that hit at the heart of the human experience—terror, dread, heroism,” Park said. “He was very well aware of the impact he made on people and never took it for granted.”

Investigation Ongoing

At this time, officials have not released details about what caused the crash, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. NBC Los Angeles has reached out to Zampella’s family and Respawn Entertainment for comment, but no official family statement has been released as of publication.

A Community in Shock

If confirmed, the loss of Vince Zampella would mark a devastating moment for the global gaming community. His work influenced millions of players and inspired countless developers, helping to shape how modern video games are designed, played, and experienced.

As this is a developing story, further updates are expected as authorities release more verified information.