Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a fatal crash in Oldsmar. Deputies responded to the crash at about 8:35 a.m. on July 31, 2009. The crash occurred on Tampa Road between Curlew Road and Oakleaf in Oldsmar.

According to deputies, 74-year-old Charles Schafer was driving eastbound in the center lane on Tampa Road and had just passed Curlew Road. Deputies say traffic ahead of Schafer had slowed due to a vulture that was in the roadway eating the remnants of an armadillo.

Witnesses told deputies that Schafer did not reduce his speed as he approached the slowed traffic from the rear. Witnesses added that Schaffer swerved to avoid collision, driving his car onto the raised grass median and striking a tree head-on. His vehicle subsequently flipped onto the driver's side and came to rest on the median.

Oldsmar Fire Rescue and Safety Harbor Fire Department responded and pronounced Schafer deceased at the scene at 8:39 a.m..

Deputies initially closed Tampa Road in both directions, then reopened one lane in each direction while they conducted the investigation. Tampa Road was completely reopened to traffic at about 12:22 p.m. 

The investigation continues.