Vince Zampella, one of the gaming industry’s most revered figures, died in a car crash in northern Los Angeles on December 21. He was 55 years old.
The Ferrari he was driving had just exited a tunnel on Angeles Crest Highway when it crashed into a barrier and caught fire. Zampella died at the scene, while his passenger, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, passed away at the hospital.
Indeed, the death of a famous person loved by many can have a profound impact, leaving fans and communities devastated and grieving the loss. Such moments also prompt us to reflect on and appreciate the legacy they left behind.
From legendary filmmakers to cultural figures whose deaths made global headlines, click through this gallery to remember the notable lives lost in 2025.