by The gaming industry has suffered a heavy loss. A video published on social media shows a horrific accident that claimed the life of Vince Zampella, one of the creators of the iconic Call of Duty video game series.
Tragedy Details
The footage shows a red Ferrari 296 GTS speeding out of a tunnel on Angeles Crest Highway in California and crashing into a concrete wall. Zampella died at the scene. His passenger, who survived the initial impact, later died in the hospital.
Angeles Crest Highway is known among driving enthusiasts for its scenic views and the opportunity to reach high speeds, yet it can be unforgiving of mistakes. Local residents say the tunnel where the accident occurred is particularly popular with drivers and motorcyclists because it amplifies the exhaust sound, encouraging them not to lift off the accelerator.
Road Section Complexity
However, as reported by those familiar with the road, the left turn after the tunnel is deceptively sharp, and its true radius becomes apparent too late. In the video, the screech of the Ferrari’s tires is already audible before the car fully exits the tunnel, which likely was the moment of horrifying realization for the driver.
The Ferrari 296 GTS, with 819 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, is a car where it’s easy to get carried away by speed.
Warning: The following description may contain distressing details.
Footage from the scene shows witnesses pulling one of the bodies from the wreckage of the car, which was already engulfed in flames. According to reports, the passenger was thrown from the vehicle, but the 55-year-old Zampella was trapped inside the burning Ferrari.
Legacy in the Gaming Industry
Although Vince Zampella is best known as the co-author of the immensely successful Call of Duty series, which debuted in 2003, he also contributed to the creation of many other famous gaming projects. These include Titanfall, Apex Legends, the Star Wars Jedi series, and Battlefield.
This tragedy once again raises questions about safety on public roads often used for high-speed driving. The popularity of roads like Angeles Crest Highway among adrenaline-seeking drivers often conflicts with their design features intended for regular traffic. The incident involving the Ferrari 296 GTS, a car with colossal potential, serves as a reminder of how quickly a controlled situation can turn uncontrollable, especially on complex road sections. The death of a talented person who made a huge contribution to the world of entertainment is a loss not only for the gaming community but for the entire creative industry.
