88-Year-Old Accused in Fort Collins Parade Crash Returns to Court

Van Edward Lemaster stood before a judge on Thursday to face seven charges related to a deadly crash at the Fort Collins Tour de Fat. The hearing took place nearly two months after the incident on Aug. 29, which killed Joshua Douglass and injured several others.

Judge Daniel McDonald reviewed the specific counts against the 88-year-old defendant. Lemaster faces one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge explained that the vehicular homicide charge carries a prison sentence of two to six years. He noted that the term could extend to 12 years if aggravating circumstances are found.

Lemaster sat next to his attorney and wore a headset to hear the proceedings. He told the court that he understood the potential penalties. The next step in the legal process is scheduled for Dec. 8 at 10 a.m.

The crash happened on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins as the bicycle parade was ending. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was trying to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space when he hit another vehicle. Investigators said he then accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where people were gathered.

Lemaster struck several pedestrians during the incident. Douglass later died from his injuries. At the hospital, Lemaster told an officer that he tried to back out several times before he "just gunned it" to leave. Investigators cited vehicle data showing the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward.