NEW YORK (AP) — LendingTree CEO and founder Doug Lebda died in an an all-terrain vehicle accident over the weekend, the online loaning platform said Monday. He was 55.

In a company announcement, LendingTree confirmed that Lebda died on Sunday and that the company was greiving his unexpected death. A spokesperson said the accident occured at a family 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. An

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