Van Edward Lemaster faces 12-year maximum in fatal parade crash

Van Edward Lemaster, 88, appeared before Judge Daniel McDonald on Thursday for his initial hearing in the case stemming from a fatal collision during the Tour de Fat bicycle parade. The incident, which took place on Aug. 29 on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins, resulted in the death of Joshua Douglass and injuries to several other pedestrians.

The court reviewed seven charges against Lemaster: 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 term of two to six years, with the potential to reach 12 years if aggravating circumstances are proven. Lemaster, who sat beside his attorney and wore a headset to hear the proceedings, confirmed he understood the possible penalties.

The arrest affidavit details that Lemaster was attempting to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado from a parking space when the truck struck another vehicle. Investigators state he then accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where a crowd had gathered. Douglass later died from his injuries.

According to the affidavit, Lemaster told a hospital officer that he had tried to back out multiple times before he "just gunned it" to leave the spot. Vehicle data cited by investigators indicated the accelerator was fully depressed as the truck moved forward.

Lemaster is scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8.