How did Vincent Zampella, ‘Call of Duty’ creator, die? Cause of death revealed after fatal Ferrari crash

Vincent Zampella Cause of Death: The cause of death of Vincent Zampella, the creator of "Call of Duty," has been revealed. He was killed in December 2025 in a single-car crash along the Angeles Crest Highway. According to TMZ, Zampella died from burns and smoke inhalation after being trapped inside his burning car. He was 55.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner stated that he sustained thermal injuries and smoke inhalation, with blunt trauma also listed as a significant condition. His death was ruled accidental.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a red Ferrari traveling southbound veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and burst into flames. Authorities said Zampella was trapped in the driver’s seat as the fire engulfed the vehicle.


The video obtained by TMZ shows the moments before impact, with the Ferrari speeding out of a tunnel, apparently losing control, and skidding into roadside barriers before erupting into a fireball.

Skid marks are visible across the roadway, a stretch known for high-speed driving, as bystanders can be seen rushing in and pulling at least one victim away from the burning wreckage.


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Vincent Zampella was the head of Respawn Entertainment and former CEO of Infinity Ward, the studio behind the hugely popular Call of Duty franchise. He co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010, later acquired by Electronic Arts in 2017, and also led the team at DICE Los Angeles, with operations based in Chatsworth and Playa Vista, California.