Lemaster enters plea in Fort Collins parade crash case

Van Edward Lemaster appeared in court on Thursday to face seven counts stemming from a collision during the Tour de Fat. The 88-year-old driver used a headset to follow the proceedings while seated next to his attorney. Judge Daniel McDonald read the charges, which include one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Lemaster entered a not guilty plea to all seven counts.

The incident occurred on Aug. 29 on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. The crash happened as the bicycle parade was ending. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was reversing a Chevrolet Silverado from a parking spot when he struck another vehicle. He then accelerated onto a sidewalk and outdoor patio where pedestrians were standing. Joshua Douglass died from his injuries, and several others were hurt.

Investigator data showed the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward. At the hospital, Lemaster told an officer that he had tried to reverse several times before pressing the gas pedal hard to exit the space. The judge explained the potential sentences to Lemaster. Vehicular homicide carries a base penalty of two to six years in prison. If aggravating circumstances are found, the maximum sentence could rise to 12 years. Lemaster stated he understood these penalties.

The case remains pending as the legal process moves forward. Lemaster is scheduled to return to the courtroom at 10 a.m. on Dec. 8 for his next hearing.