Doug Lebda, the 55-year-old CEO of LendingTree, tragically lost his life on his North Carolina farm after a fatal ATV accident. Local authorities released 911 records indicating that Lebda was found under his overturned ATV on his 277-acre property in Mill Spring on October 12. Lebda, a father of three and a seasoned tech executive, was reported missing after he failed to return from an ATV ride.
The 911 call was placed around 7:30 p.m. on the day of the incident. The caller reported that Lebda had embarked on his ATV ride approximately four hours earlier, leaving his phone behind but accompanied by his dog. The caller, along with others, had been combing the vast property after hearing distant barking, which ultimately led them to Lebda’s location.
Emergency services and deputies were dispatched to the scene promptly. Roughly 35 minutes after the call was placed, at 8:06 p.m., they discovered Lebda’s body under the overturned vehicle. His loyal dog was found nearby, as per Polk County records.
The subsequent investigation did not reveal any signs of foul play, according to a county spokesperson. Lebda had recently purchased the sprawling riverfront property for $2.75 million in July, fulfilling his dream of owning a rural retreat. The tech entrepreneur, who established LendingTree in 1996 after encountering difficulties securing his first mortgage, frequently split his time between Charlotte, N.C., and the farm.
LendingTree confirmed Lebda’s death, describing it as a “devastating loss.” The company lauded him as a “visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation, and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers.” Scott Peyree, the President and COO, was immediately named as Lebda’s successor, with longtime board member Steve Ozonian appointed chairman.
Lebda’s widow, Megan, expressed her sorrow, describing her husband as compassionate and endlessly curious. A public memorial for Lebda was held on October 19 at Founders Hall in uptown Charlotte, where his daughters, Rachel and Abby, remembered him as “the most incredible man.”