A cyclist was struck and killed by a piece of trash in what police are calling a "bizarre" incident Wednesday night on the Vancouver Seawall.

The cyclist was riding along the seawall at the foot of Carrall Street around 8:30 p.m. PT, when another man who was rooting through a nearby garbage can tossed out a heavy object.

The object struck the cyclist and knocked him face first to the pavement, leaving him unconscious, police said.

The 45-year-old man was rushed to hospital in grave condition, but was pronounced dead at 4 a.m. Thursday morning. His identity was not released.

The man throwing items from the garbage bin left the scene before paramedics and police arrived.

"Witnesses tried to follow the individual as he walked away but were unable to do so," said Const. Brian Montague.

Police seeking man

A small section of the seawall remained behind police tape for several hours on Wednesday night, as several officers and a forensics unit pored over the scene.

Police said they don't believe there was an intention to cause harm, but they would still like to speak to the man who threw the object.

"There's no indication that this was an intentional act — just a very bizarre set of circumstances," said Montague.

Police are now looking for the man who reportedly tossed the object. He was described as:

Aboriginal.

30 to 40 years old.

Six feet tall with a medium build.

Shoulder-length black hair.

Wearing a black puffy jacket and dark jeans.