Vince Zampella, a renowned video game developer and co-creator of the Call of Duty franchise, has passed away in a car accident, according to a statement from Electronic Arts. Zampella was 55 years old at the time of his death.

The incident occurred on Sunday when Zampella’s Ferrari veered off a scenic road north of Los Angeles, struck a concrete barrier, and caught fire. The California Highway Patrol reported that both Zampella, who was driving, and a passenger were ejected from the vehicle and succumbed to their injuries. Witnesses shared footage of the mangled, burning car on social media.

The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Zampella was a pioneer in the gaming industry, credited with helping to shape the first-person military shooter genre. He co-founded Infinity Ward in 2002 and played a key role in launching the Call of Duty franchise in 2003, which has since become a global phenomenon with over 100 million active players per month.

After leaving Infinity Ward, Zampella founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio behind successful titles such as Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series. His legacy as a influential figure in modern gaming was cemented when Activision acquired Infinity Ward.

Zampella’s career in the gaming industry spanned over two decades, beginning in the 1990s as a game designer. His work on the Call of Duty franchise helped establish the series as a major player in the gaming market. The franchise’s success has endured, with new titles and updates continuing to attract a large and dedicated player base.

The gaming community is mourning the loss of Zampella, who was widely respected for his contributions to the industry. His death serves as a reminder of the significant impact he had on the world of gaming, and his legacy will continue to be felt through the many games and studios he helped shape.