{"id":2498977,"date":"2025-10-14T21:14:01","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T01:14:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/longtime-lendingtree-ceo-dies-in-accident-on-family-farm\/"},"modified":"2025-10-14T21:17:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T01:17:01","slug":"longtime-lendingtree-ceo-dies-in-accident-on-family-farm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/longtime-lendingtree-ceo-dies-in-accident-on-family-farm\/","title":{"rendered":"Longtime LendingTree CEO Dies in Accident on Family Farm"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Flongtime-lendingtree-ceo-dies-in-accident-on-family-farm%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2498977&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Doug Lebda, teh founder and longtime CEO of LendingTree, a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >major online loan marketplace based<\/a> in Charlotte, North Carolina, has died unexpectedly at the age of 55 in an all-terrain vehicle accident on his family farm. The company&#8217;s board and management expressed deep sorrow over his passing, praising him as a visionary leader who transformed financial services and empowered millions of consumers. Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 with a mission to simplify financial decisions and promote economic possibility.Following his death, Scott Peyree, LendingTree&#8217;s Chief Operating Officer and President, was appointed as the new CEO, while Steve Ozonian became chairman of the board. Lebda is survived by his wife, Megan, and their three daughters. The board expressed commitment to honoring his legacy and continuing the company&#8217;s mission under the new leadership.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<section> \t\t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>One of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/u-s-charges-ex-coinbase-manager-in-first-crypto-insider-trading-case\/\" title=\"U.S. charges ex-Coinbase manager in first crypto insider trading case\">largest online marketplace<\/a> for people seeking loans is in mourning after it lost its leader unexpectedly.<\/p>\n<p>Lending Tree, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/lendingtree-announces-the-unexpected-passing-of-company-founder-chairman-and-ceo-doug-lebda-302582183.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">announced<\/a> Monday that longtime CEO and founder Doug Lebda had died.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The Board of Directors and the entire LendingTree management team deeply mourns his passing and extends sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family,&rdquo; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/majority-of-new-federal-climate-funds-in-pennsylvania-to-help-repave-parking-lots\/\" title=\"Majority of New Federal &quot;Climate Funds&quot; in Pennsylvania to Help Repave Parking Lots\">news release noted<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lebda&rsquo;s roles will be divvied among two new appointees.<\/p>\n<p>Scott Peyree, the company&rsquo;s Chief Operating Officer and President, and Steve Ozonian, the Lead Independent Director, have been appointed by the board as the company&rsquo;s president and CEO, and chairman of the board, respectively.<\/p>\n<p>  <script> console.log(\"A\/B Test Video Player\"); \/\/ Helper function to set a cookie function setVideoCookie(name, value, days) {     var expires=\"\";     if (days) {         var date=new Date();         date.setTime(date.getTime() + (days*24*60*60*1000));         expires=\"; expires=\" + date.toUTCString();     }     document.cookie=name + \"=\" + (value || \"\")  + expires + \"; 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    stnPlayer(); } <\/script> <\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">LendingTree&rsquo;s 55-year-old CEO Doug Lebda dies in ATV accident: &lsquo;devastating&rsquo; <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ejn433IYmL\">https:\/\/t.co\/ejn433IYmL<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zTcSFyJ4C6\">pic.twitter.com\/zTcSFyJ4C6<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; New York Post (@nypost) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/nypost\/status\/1977786897977008282?\">October 13, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>The board added: &ldquo;We are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/officials-launch-murder-probe-into-death-of-officer-following-d-c-protests\/\" title=\"Officials launch murder probe into death of officer following D.C. protests\">deeply saddened<\/a> by the sudden passing of Doug. Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Since founding LendingTree in 1996, Doug dedicated himself to building a company rooted in consumer empowerment, championing a mission to simplify financial decisions and fostering economic opportunity for all.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Doug&rsquo;s unwavering commitment to our team, customers and partners shaped LendingTree&rsquo;s culture and values and permanently changed the way in which consumers access financial products. His passion will continue to inspire us as we move forward together.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;We extend our deepest sympathies to Doug&rsquo;s family and loved ones during this difficult time.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The Board will work closely with Scott and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/governor-cuomo-may-be-in-trouble-melissa-derosa-is-his-assistant-who-outed-him-and-her-mother-in-law-audrey-strauss-is-head-of-the-dojs-sdny\/\" title=\"Governor Cuomo May Be In Trouble \u2013 Melissa DeRosa Is His Assistant Who Outed Him and Her Mother-in-Law, Audrey Strauss, Is Head of the DOJ\u2019s SDNY\">leadership team<\/a> to honor Doug&rsquo;s vision. We are committed to upholding his legacy and continuing the work he began with passion, integrity and dedication.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/business\/lendingtree-ceo-dies-in-accident-60bb76d8?st=HUrGxc&amp;reflink=desktopweb_permalink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wall Street Journal<\/a>, Lebda, 55, died Sunday in an all-terrain vehicle accident on his family farm.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our hearts are broken, but we are also deeply grateful for the love and support that has poured in from across the world,&rdquo; his wife, Megan Lebda, said via written statement. &ldquo;Doug&rsquo;s legacy will continue in the company he built, the lives he touched, and the example he set for all of us to lead with kindness, courage, and compassion.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Lebda was reported missing Sunday evening. His body was found about a half-hour after authorities arrived.<\/p>\n<p>According to a local police representative, no foul play is suspected. A redacted police report said that Lebda was dead on arrival.<\/p>\n<p>Peyree noted how well Lebda had left Lending Tree in the event of such an unexpected calamity.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The news of losing Doug was devastating,&rdquo; Peyree said. &ldquo;But one of the most immediate impacts of his legacy is the strong management team he put in place at LendingTree.&nbsp; I look forward to leading our team and continuing our d vision with Doug into the future.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>Lebda is survived by his wife and three daughters.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* Name<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* <\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<label>* Message<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t<textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\"> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> \t\t<script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey==typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts={ \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs=[ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i=0; i <inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! 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LendingTree, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, announced on Monday that its longtime CEO and founder, Doug Lebda, has passed away. &#8220;The Board of Directors and all members of LendingTree&#8217;s management team are deeply saddened by his death and offer their heartfelt condolences to his family,&#8221; the statement said<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2498978,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Doug-Lebda.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[8151,50913,65236,65235,32229],"class_list":["post-2498977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-accident","tag-ceo-2","tag-family-farm","tag-lendingtree","tag-obituary"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Doug-Lebda.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2498977"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2498981,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2498977\/revisions\/2498981"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2498978"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2498977"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2498977"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2498977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}