88-year-old man pleads not guilty in Fort Collins parade crash

Van Edward Lemaster, an 88-year-old resident of Fort Collins, appeared in court on Thursday for the first time since being accused of driving into a crowd. The hearing took place nearly two months after the August 29 incident that claimed the life of Joshua Douglass and injured several others. Lemaster stood beside his attorney and used a headset to listen to the proceedings as the judge reviewed the case details.

The first key point is the severity of the accusations against the defendant. Judge Daniel McDonald read out seven specific charges tied to the crash. These include 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, with the possibility of up to twelve years if aggravating circumstances are determined. Lemaster indicated to the court that he understood these potential penalties.

The second key point involves the sequence of events leading to the collision. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was attempting to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. The crash occurred as the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was concluding. Investigators report that after striking another vehicle while backing up, Lemaster accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where pedestrians had gathered, striking several people in the process.

The third key point focuses on the driver's statements and vehicle data. The affidavit notes that Lemaster told a hospital officer he had tried to back out several times before finally accelerating to leave the space. He stated that he simply stepped on the gas. Investigators corroborated this by citing data from the truck, which showed the accelerator was fully depressed as the vehicle moved forward toward the crowd.

Contextually, the Tour de Fat is a well-known community event in Fort Collins, making the location and timing of the crash significant to the public. The victim, Joshua Douglass, died from the injuries sustained during the impact. The case highlights the risks associated with vehicle movements in crowded pedestrian zones during large public gatherings. The legal process will continue to determine whether the driver's actions constituted negligence or a more serious form of recklessness.

Looking ahead, the case is not yet concluded. Lemaster is scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. on December 8. At that hearing, further legal steps will be taken as the prosecution and defense prepare for the next phase of the trial. The community awaits the outcome of this case, which has drawn attention to traffic safety and liability in urban areas during major events.