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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has unveiled details surrounding the untimely demise of Vince Zampella, a pivotal figure behind Call of Duty, who tragically passed away at 55. The incident occurred on December 21 in Altadena, California, resulting from a dramatic car accident.
While being filmed, the Electronic Arts executive vice president was driving a 2026 red Ferrari 296 GTS. He lost control while navigating a tunnel, veered off the Angeles Crest Highway near mile marker 62, and collided with a concrete barrier, leading to the vehicle catching fire.
Zampella was trapped inside the engulfed car and succumbed to smoke inhalation, thermal injuries, and blunt force trauma at the scene, as reported by TMZ.
His companion, identified as Kim, was thrown from the car during the accident and passed away later at a nearby hospital in the vicinity of the San Gabriel Mountains.
The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, though high speed is believed to have significantly contributed, based on the available cell phone footage.
The LA County Medical Examiner has released its report on the accidental death of Call of Duty creator Vince Zampella, at age 55, on December 21 in Altadena, California following a fiery car crash (pictured December 11)
Zampella is survived by his three children – Quentin, 26, Kyle, 22, and Courtney, 19 – whom he welcomed during his 18-year marriage to ex-wife Brigitte Zampella, which ended in 2015.
‘This is an unimaginable loss, and our hearts are with Vince’s family, his loved ones, and all those touched by his work,’ a rep for Electronic Arts told the site.
‘Vince’s influence on the video game industry was profound and far-reaching. A friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator, his work helped shape modern interactive entertainment.
‘He inspired millions of players and developers around the world. His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come.’
The Cali native had led the team developing the popular Call of Duty video game franchise when he served as studio head and CEO of Infinity Ward.
Zampella spent the past two years working to create an exotic car dealership and production company with his business partner, Emelia Hartford.
‘It’s been really hard,’ the 32-year-old YouTuber – who boasts 7.6 million social media followers – cried in her January 20 vlog.
The Electronic Arts executive VP was on camera when he sped a 2026 red Ferrari 296 GTS through a tunnel, skidded off the Angeles Crest Highway around mile marker 62, and careened into a concrete barrier before bursting into flamesÂ
Zampella was helplessly trapped inside the burning car and died at the scene after suffering from smoke inhalation, thermal injuries and blunt force traumaÂ
The video game designer’s passenger, named Kim, was reportedly ejected from the vehicle and later died at a hospital near the San Gabriel Mountains
The California Highway Patrol has not determined what caused the collision but speed must have been a major factor considering the resulting cell phone footage
Zampella is survived by his three children – Quentin, 26, Kyle (L), 22, and Courtney (R), 19 – whom he welcomed during his 18-year marriage to ex-wife Brigitte Zampella, which ended in 2015
The Cali native spent the past two years working to create an exotic car dealership and production company with his business partner, Emelia Hartford (R)
‘It’s been really hard,’ the 32-year-old YouTuber cried in her January 20 vlog. ‘Grieving the loss of someone that you cared so much about, someone that you literally thought that you were going to grow old with and had so many plans to do so many incredible things together’Â
‘Grieving the loss of someone that you cared so much about, someone that you literally thought that you were going to grow old with and had so many plans to do so many incredible things together…
‘We were going to be starting a production company together and a dealership. And the name for the dealership that we filed and we got was Prestige Worldwide.’
Hartford continued: ‘I would always talk to Vince about my dreams of being an actress. That’s partly why we were starting a production company together because he was a firm believer that if there’s anything you want in life, you have to go after it.’