The gaming world lost a titan Sunday afternoon when Vince Zampella, the head of Respawn Entertainment, was killed in a Ferrari crash on California’s Angeles Crest Highway.
The accident, occurring in the afternoon of Sunday, has shocked fans and colleagues alike.
The single-car crash was reported at about 12:45 p.m. on the scenic road north of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains. The southbound Ferrari veered off the road, struck a concrete barrier, and a passenger was ejected, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The driver, Zampella, was trapped in the ensuing car fire, the CHP said. He died at the scene and the passenger died at a hospital, authorities told NBC4 Investigates. Details about the passenger’s identity were not immediately available.
A witness provided video of the crash involving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS to authorities. The six-figure, mid-engine sports car is powered by a hybrid twin-turbo V-6 and is capable of 819-plus horsepower.
Zampella, 55, co-founded the Chatsworth-based Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio was acquired by video game giant EA in 2017. Respawn is best known for the games “Titanfall,” “Titanfall 2,” “Apex Legends” and “STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order.”
Zampella also led an EA studio team based in Playa Vista behind the “Battlefield” video game franchise. His leadership contributed to the success of the Battlefield series during his tenure at EA.
NBC4 Investigates has reached out to Zampella’s family for comment. The outlet has also contacted Respawn Entertainment and EA for statements.
The crash, which occurred on a winding forest road overlooking Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, remains under investigation. No information has been released about what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Key Takeaways
- Vince Zampella, head of Respawn Entertainment, died in a Ferrari crash on the Angeles Crest Highway.
- The vehicle was a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS with a hybrid twin-turbo V-6 producing over 819 horsepower.
- Zampella co-founded Respawn in 2010, was acquired by EA in 2017, and helped develop titles such as “Titanfall,” “Apex Legends,” and “Battlefield.”
The sudden loss of Vince Zampella has left a void in the gaming community, underscoring the fragility of life even for those who shape the virtual worlds we love.
