Authorities said Zampella, who was 55, was driving a Ferrari along the Angeles Crest Highway in the San Gabriel Mountains when the vehicle left the road shortly before 12.45pm (PST). According to the California Highway Patrol, the car hit a concrete barrier and caught fire.

Local outlets reported that a second person in the vehicle was thrown from the car during the crash. NBC Los Angeles said Zampella was unable to escape the burning vehicle and died at the scene, while the passenger later died in the hospital.

Zampella was one of the most influential figures in modern gaming. After helping create Call of Duty and contributing to the Battlefield franchise, he went on to co‑found Respawn Entertainment in 2010. The studio, now part of Electronic Arts, is behind major titles including Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

EA paid tribute to Zampella in a statement, calling his impact on the industry “profound and far‑reaching.”

The company described him as “a friend, colleague, leader and visionary creator” whose work “inspired millions of players and developers around the world.”

The spokesperson added: “His legacy will continue to shape how games are made and how players connect for generations to come."