We have tragic news to report from the world of gaming today.
Vincent Zampella — the tech executive who was best known as one of the architects behind the Call of Duty franchise — has passed away.
He was just 55 years old.
News of Zampella’s death comes courtesy of Los Angeles NBC affiliate NBC4.
According to early reports, Zampella was killed in a single-car accident on Southern California’s Angeles Crest Highway.
The head of Respawn Entertainment and the former CEO of Infinity Ward was driving his Ferrari when he suddenly lost control and struck a concrete barrier.
According to the California Highway Patrol, one passenger was ejected and later died at an area hospital.
The driver died at the scene after being trapped inside the vehicle, which was engulfed in flames.
“For unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the roadway, struck a concrete barrier, and became fully engulfed,” said the California Highway Patrol in a statement issued Monday (via Deadline).
“The passenger was ejected from the vehicle and the driver remained trapped. Both parties succumbed to their injuries. It is currently unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this crash.”
Zampella co-founded Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio was acquired by EA in 2017.
Respawn is best known for the video games Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order.
Zampella was widely regarded as one of the gaming industry’s greatest success stories.
Across social media today, fans from around the globe are paying tribute to his beloved body of work.
“Vince Zampella had one of the most legendary runs in video games. Anything he touched turned into gold. His loss will be felt deeply in this industry,” wrote one X user on Monday.
“Nah, man. Not Vince Zampella. We lost a fucking LEGEND. Shocked ain’t even the word,” another added.
“In absolute shock right now. Rest in peace to an absolute legend and giant of our industry,” a third stated.
Zampella is survived by three children. Our thoughts go out to his loved ones as they attempt to process this devastating loss.