Driver in Fatal Parade Crash Faces Maximum 12-Year Prison Term

Van Edward Lemaster, 88, entered a not guilty plea on Thursday for seven counts related to a deadly collision during the Fort Collins Tour de Fat.

The hearing marked his first appearance nearly two months after the Aug. 29 crash. 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, who sat beside his attorney and listened via a headset, confirmed he understood the potential penalties.

The judge outlined the sentencing guidelines. Vehicular homicide carries a prison term of two to six years. However, if aggravating circumstances are proven, the sentence can extend to 12 years. Lemaster acknowledged these figures to the court.

Police records describe the sequence of events on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. Investigators state that Lemaster attempted to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking space. After striking another vehicle, he accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where pedestrians were gathered, striking several people. Joshua Douglass died from his injuries.

The arrest affidavit notes that Lemaster told a hospital officer he had tried to back out multiple times before 'just gunning it' to escape the space. Vehicle data 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.