Copyright by KRON - All rights reserved

MENLO PARK (KRON) -- An elderly driver was hit in the neck and killed by debris while he was driving on U.S. Highway 101 in Menlo Park on Friday afternoon, according to the CHP.

According to CHP, the elderly driver was killed by a small brass nut that may have fallen off a vehicle, or been kicked up from the road.

Below is an image of what CHP officers believed killed the man.

Copyright by KRON - All rights reserved Photo Courtesy: California Highway Patrol

Copyright by KRON - All rights reserved Photo Courtesy: California Highway Patrol

The driver killed has been identified as Louis Schaefer of Mountain View. He was 82 years old.

Witnesses said the man, who appeared to be in his early 80s, was struck by the item when it smashed through his windshield near Willow Road at about 1 p.m., said CHP Officer Art Montiel.

After being struck, the driver collided with the center divide, eventually coming to a stop. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

The two left lanes of Highway 101 were closed.

All lanes have since reopened.

Bay City News contributed to this report.