Lemaster Pleads Not Guilty to Charges in Fatal Fort Collins Parade Crash

Fort Collins police are prosecuting an elderly driver for a collision that killed a pedestrian during a popular community event. Van Edward Lemaster appeared in court on Thursday, October 23, for the first time since the accident.

Judge Daniel McDonald read seven charges to Lemaster. The list includes one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Lemaster, who used a headset to hear the proceedings, sat beside his attorney. He confirmed to the judge that he understood the potential penalties.

The incident happened on August 29 on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. The crash occurred as the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was ending. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was trying to back his Chevrolet Silverado out of a parking spot. Investigators say he hit another vehicle first. He then accelerated onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio where people were standing.

Joshua Douglass died from injuries sustained in that crash. The affidavit notes that Lemaster told a hospital officer he tried to back out several times. He said he finally "just gunned it" to leave the space. Vehicle data supported that claim, showing the accelerator pedal was fully depressed as the truck moved forward.

Lemaster faces a prison sentence of two to six years for the vehicular homicide charge. That number can rise to 12 years if the court finds aggravating circumstances. He is scheduled to return to court at 10 a.m. on December 8.