Doug Lebda, the founder and CEO of LendingTree, died in an ATV accident over the weekend, the company said. He was 55.

LendingTree said the accident happened Sunday on his family’s farm in North Carolina.

“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers," LendingTree’s board of directors said in a prepared statement. “His passion will continue to inspire us as we move forward together.”

Scott Peyree, LendingTree's chief operating officer and president, has now been appointed CEO effective immediately. And lead independent director Steve Ozonian will also step into Lebda's role as chairman of the board, the company said.

Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 — to “simplify th

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