88-year-old charged in fatal Fort Collins bike parade crash

Van Edward Lemaster sat in the Fort Collins courtroom on Thursday, wearing a headset to hear the proceedings. The 88-year-old man made his first court appearance nearly two months after he drove a pickup truck into a crowd during the Tour de Fat. One person died in the crash, and several others sustained injuries.

Judge Daniel McDonald reviewed the seven charges against Lemaster. The list includes one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge explained the potential sentences for each charge. Vehicular homicide carries a prison term of two to six years. If the court finds aggravating circumstances, the sentence can rise to 12 years. Lemaster told the judge he understood the possible penalties.

The accident happened on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. The Tour de Fat bicycle parade was ending when the collision occurred. Investigators say Lemaster was trying to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space. He struck another vehicle while reversing. According to the arrest affidavit, he then accelerated forward onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where pedestrians were standing.

Joshua Douglass died from the injuries he sustained in the crash. The affidavit notes that Lemaster spoke to an officer at the hospital after the incident. He said he tried to back out of the space several times before he decided to leave quickly. Lemaster told the officer that he just gunned it to escape the spot. Investigators cited data from the vehicle to support this account. The records showed the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward.

Lemaster appeared in court alongside his attorney. The hearing was brief. The judge confirmed the charges and outlined the sentencing guidelines. Lemaster indicated his understanding of the legal process. No plea was entered during this initial appearance.

The next court date is set for Dec. 8. Lemaster is scheduled to return at 10 a.m. The court will continue its review of the case at that time.