Van Edward Lemaster, 88, Faces Charges in Fort Collins Tour de Fat Crash

A fatal crash at a bicycle parade in Fort Collins has led to a court date for the elderly driver involved.

Van Edward Lemaster, 88, stood before Judge Daniel McDonald on Thursday to answer to seven counts. He sat beside his legal counsel, wearing a headset to track the proceedings. This was his first appearance related to the incident that took place on August 29.

The hearing covered the specific charges. Lemaster faces one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge detailed the sentencing guidelines for the homicide charge, noting a prison term can range from two to six years. If aggravating factors are found, the term could extend to 12 years. Lemaster confirmed to the court that he understood these possibilities.

The charges stem from an event on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. As the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was wrapping up, a vehicle entered the crowd.

An arrest affidavit outlines the sequence of events. Lemaster attempted to reverse his Chevrolet Silverado from a parking space but struck another car. He then accelerated forward over a sidewalk and onto a patio area where people were standing. Several pedestrians were hit in the process.

One victim, Joshua Douglass, died from his injuries. Others sustained injuries classified as vehicular assault and reckless endangerment.

Investigators have shared details about Lemaster's actions leading up to the collision. The affidavit states that at the hospital, Lemaster told an officer he had tried to move out of the space several times before he "just gunned it" to leave the spot. Data pulled from the truck indicated the accelerator was fully depressed as the vehicle moved forward.

Lemaster is scheduled to return to the courtroom. The next hearing is set for 10 a.m. on Dec. 8.

The case remains in the courts as the legal process continues.