CEO of Charlotte-based LendingTree dies in an ATV accident

Between the lines: Lebda's accident occurred on land out in the western part of the state — in Tryon, where Lebda was building a farm, CBJ reported.

• A Quail Hollow resident, Lebda was a football fan and had a minority ownership in the Pittsburgh Steelers, per the New York Times. Lebda, who is survived by his wife and three daughters, helped lead Charlotte's bid to host the 2020 Republican National Convention.
• Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory told CBJ that Lebda, his friend, was "one of America's greatest entrepreneurs."

What they're saying: The board said in a statement it will work with Peyree "to honor Doug's vision."

• "Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers," the statement read.
• The company did not disclose any further details about Lebda's death.

Context: In 1996, Lebda founded LendingTree, an online marketplace that lets borrowers comparison shop for various types of loans, from mortgages to student refinances.

Flashback: In 2018, LendingTree announced plans to nearly double its Charlotte footprint in exchange for more than $10 million in state and local incentives.

• In 2021, LendingTree, long based in Ballantyne, moved its headquarters to new offices in South End — amid a wave of young, fast-growing companies to plant roots in the trendy neighborhood.