88-Year-Old Faces Charges in Fatal Parade Crash

Van Edward Lemaster, an 88-year-old resident, stood before a judge on Thursday to address the serious accusations stemming from a tragic incident in Fort Collins. This court session marked his first official appearance in the case, taking place nearly two months after the collision that shocked the local community and claimed one life while injuring several others.

The legal proceedings focused on the seven charges filed against Lemaster regarding the event of August 29. He was seated next to his legal counsel and utilized a headset to hear the proceedings clearly. Judge Daniel McDonald reviewed each count with the defendant, including one instance of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge also outlined the potential sentencing guidelines, noting that vehicular homicide typically carries a prison term between two and six years, though this can extend to 12 years if aggravating factors are present. Lemaster confirmed to the court that he understood these possible penalties.

The crash took place on Mountain Avenue in the Old Town district as the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was nearing its conclusion. According to details in the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was attempting to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot when he first collided with another vehicle. Investigators report that he then accelerated the truck onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio area where pedestrians were gathered, striking multiple people. Joshua Douglass was among those hit and later succumbed to his injuries.

Additional details from the affidavit describe Lemaster’s interactions with law enforcement at the hospital. He reportedly told an officer that he had attempted to back out several times before finally "just gunned it" to exit the space. Investigators also highlighted data retrieved from the vehicle, which indicated that the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward into the crowd.

The case remains active as legal proceedings continue. Lemaster is scheduled to return to the courtroom at 10 a.m. on December 8 for his next hearing.