Tributes flood in for Vince Zampella after tragic passing

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 23/12/2025

Co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise, EA executive, and Respawn co-founder Vince Zampella was killed in a Los Angeles car accident on December 21st 2025.  

Given Zampella’s extensive influence in the video game industry, tributes reflect on his legacy and impact. 

Vince Zampella passes away at age 55 following car accident

Although the circumstances of Zampella’s death are not fully disclosed, it is understood that he passed in a single-car accident on the Angeles Crest Highway. The location is a known hot spot for car enthusiasts. 

He leaves behind a media legacy spanning Call of Duty, particularly the Modern Warfare games, Medal of Honor, Titanfall 1 & 2, Apex Legends, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Battlefield 6. 

A statement from the California Highway Patrol confirms that at approximately 12:45 pm, a car veered off the road and hit a concrete barrier.

The incident and resulting car fire claimed the lives of both the driver and passenger. While the passenger was extracted from the wreckage, they passed away at the hospital later that day. The driver died at the scene.

It is believed that Zampella was in the driver’s seat during the crash. 

According to TMZ, footage of the incident has been shared online. Although largely unverified by other news sources, the footage matches the California Highway Patrol’s description of the incident.

The life of Vince Zampella: from games to studios, a legacy left behind

Tributes to Vince Zampella have flooded social media platforms, from games industry figures to development studios and esports teams. 

As a co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise and co-founder of Infinity Ward, he altered the course of 21st-century game development. Most recently, he oversaw much of Battlefield 6’s development, a game that went on to rival Call of Duty and raise standards in the FPS genre. 

Infinity Ward released their own statement following his death, with the heartfelt words:

“Your legacy of creating iconic, lasting entertainment is immeasurable.” 

Professional CoD esports teams, including FaZe Vegas, Boston Breach, and Miami Heretics, added their support under Infinity Ward’s post.

His legacy also lies in his contributions and influence on several other hit esports titles, including Apex Legends. 

Respawn, also co-founded by Zampella, reflected: 

“His impact reached far beyond any one game or studio.”

The company also professed, “We will miss him greatly.”

Apex Legends team Aurora noted that Vince Zampella was a “true legend and will always be remembered as one.” Meanwhile, professional Apex player Mac ‘Albralelie’ Beckwith expressed how his passing is a “devastating loss for the industry and his family.”

This sentiment has also been echoed by Apex Legends content creators, including Garret, who named Zampella “one of the greatest of all time and a genuine real life legend.” 

Garret reminded others in the community, “I cannot understate how much we all owe to this man.”

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

All Posts By Hannah Marie ZT