In Southern California, a fatal accident involving a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS resulted in the death of video game developer Vince Zampella. According to NBC4 Investigates and the California Highway Patrol, the car went off the road immediately after exiting a tunnel and crashed into a concrete barrier. Zampella, who was behind the wheel, was trapped in the burning vehicle and died on the scene, while the passenger later passed away in the hospital.
The 55-year-old Vince Zampella was the co-founder of Respawn Entertainment and previously led Infinity Ward, the creators of the Call of Duty franchise. Under his leadership, Respawn released hits like Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. The studio was acquired by EA in 2017, and Zampella was regarded as one of the leading figures in the video game industry, recently being honored at gaming awards for his lifetime achievements.
The Ferrari 296 GTS is equipped with a hybrid twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing over 819 horsepower. While specific reasons for the crash are still under investigation, a witness provided video footage showing the red sports car colliding with the barrier. Recently, Ferrari has been investing in advanced hybrid technologies, which are not only focused on performance but also on enhanced safety systems. Legal experts are increasingly discussing potential implications for manufacturers in accidents involving high-performance vehicles like Ferraris.
