TORONTO - Staples said the company’s thoughts are with the family of a woman who was killed when a sign from one of their stores blew off in Sandy’s winds and struck her in the head.

A red Staples sign still lay on the ground Tuesday, cordoned off with yellow police tape, hours after high winds allegedly knocked it from its stand, killing the woman in her 50s.

Police arrived at the Toronto plaza around 7 p.m. Monday and moved her to another area of the parking lot - deemed safer from debris whipped up from 60-km/h winds - where emergency crews began performing CPR on her. But EMS couldn’t resuscitate her and she died at the scene.

“There were witnesses, but we’re appealing to any witnesses that haven’t spoken to us to call,” Toronto Police Const. Wendy Drummond said. “We’re trying to get an idea of where the victim was coming from and what was happening in the area at the time.”

Police are not releasing her name as requested by her family.

Nina Sampat, Staples’ national director of operations, said there is regular maintenance conducted on the company’s outdoor signage.

“Our thoughts are with the family and their loved ones and we’re doing whatever we can to fully co-operate with police in the investigation,” Sampat said.

Gaurav Sawhney, 30, who regularly frequents the area, said he was saddened to hear about the tragic incident.

“It’s unfortunate,” he said. “Timing’s a weird thing. It really sucks for the family who has to deal with it. It’s random and I have high doubts (Staples) was chintzy on the quality of the signage. Those things cost a ton of money and it’s what happens over time.”