Elderly Driver Faces Severe Prison Risk in Fatal Parade Collision Case

The tension in the courtroom was palpable as Van Edward Lemaster, an 88-year-old driver, sat before the judge for the first time since the August tragedy. The brief hearing marked the formal beginning of his legal battle, nearly two months after his vehicle struck a dense crowd of pedestrians. One life was lost in the collision, and several others sustained injuries, setting the stage for a prosecution that now moves forward with significant weight.

Lemaster is facing seven distinct counts related to the incident. Judge Daniel McDonald read the charges aloud to the defendant, who listened through a headset while seated beside his legal counsel. The list includes one count of vehicular homicide, four counts of vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. The judge outlined the potential consequences, noting that vehicular homicide carries a mandatory prison term ranging from two to six years. If the court determines that aggravating circumstances are present, that sentence could extend to a maximum of twelve years. Lemaster verbally confirmed to the bench that he fully comprehended these potential penalties.

The fatal collision took place on Mountain Avenue in Old Town Fort Collins. The location was bustling because the Tour de Fat bicycle parade was winding down its final route. According to the arrest affidavit, Lemaster was behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado. He was attempting to reverse the truck out of a parking spot when he made contact with another vehicle. Investigators report that instead of stopping, the driver accelerated the truck onto a sidewalk and an outdoor patio area where pedestrians had gathered, striking multiple people. Joshua Douglass was among those hit and later succumbed to his injuries.

Details from the investigation reveal specific behaviors by the driver. The affidavit states that Lemaster told a hospital officer he had attempted to reverse out of the space several times before deciding to accelerate rapidly to escape. Police cited vehicle data as evidence supporting this account. The records indicated that the accelerator pedal was fully depressed while the truck was moving forward. This technical data provides a concrete basis for the reckless endangerment and assault charges brought by the state.

The case will not reach a resolution immediately. Lemaster is scheduled to return to the courtroom on December 8. His next appearance is set for 10 a.m. This upcoming hearing will be crucial in determining the next steps of the prosecution and the defendant's path through the legal system.