Toronto police are investigating after a woman was struck and killed by a large sign that came loose in high winds Monday at a Staples office supply store.

It happened just after 7 p.m. at the Staples location near Keele Street and St. Clair Avenue West in the city's west end.

Witnesses say a woman in her 50s was walking along West Toronto Street just west of Keele when she was struck by a piece of the large illuminated sign that stands above the parking lot.

At the time, the city was being battered by 100 km/h winds and heavy rain as the remnants of Hurricane Sandy was moving across the city.

Police tried to revive the woman after moving her to a safe location, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are now asking for the public's help in investigating what they are calling a "sudden death investigation."

"Early reports indicate that a portion of a large commercial sign had blown loose from its frame and fell," reads the police release.

A spokesperson for the company has told CBC News they are aware of the woman's death and are investigating the incident.

Police said the woman’s name would not be released.