Elise Finch, TV Meteorologist Popular In CT, Dead At 51

CONNECTICUT — Emmy-winning meteorologist, Elise Finch, died at the age of 51 at a local hospital Saturday, CBS New York has announced.

Finch was popular on screens throughout Fairfield County during her 16 years as the meteorologist during the WCBS morning newscast.

The was on the air as late as Friday morning. She leaves behind her husband, Graig Henriques, a photojournalist at WCBS, and daughter Grace. The family had moved back to Mount Vernon, NY, several months ago.

Finch began her career as a production coordinator at E! Entertainment Television. She moved up to CBS and Fox affiliates in Youngstown, OH, and the ABC affiliate in Austin, MN, where she served as an anchor and report. She began reporting the weather, on weekends, in her next stint for the CBS affiliate in Phoenix, AZ. She jumped networks to NBC, serving as a meteorologist for the "Early Today Show," MSNBC and NBC Weather Plus. Finch finally landed back at CBS in April 2007, joining the team of meteorologists at CBS New York, according to her online bio.

Finch's colleagues took to social media to express their shock and dismay at her sudden death

"My heart hurts," WCBS anchor Mary Calvi posted on Facebook. "Elise Finch was our light, our rock, our dear friend. I am beyond saddened at the tragic loss of a woman I so adored and respected."

CBS sportscaster Steve Overmyer tweeted: "Heartbroken today with the devastating news we lost our amazing friend and colleague Elise Finch. Her smile and positive energy always left a smile on everyone’s face. Our thoughts are with her husband Graig and daughter Grace and the entire Finch family."

The meteorologist was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, where she received the prestigious President's Award. She later received a Master of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University, and completed the Broadcast Meteorology Program at Mississippi State University. She holds the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.

Finch's boss, CBS New York chief weathercaster Lonnie Quinn, said her best work was done in the field, in the rain.

"I want this day to start over again, I want it to end differently," he posted on Facebook. "For the viewers who watched Elise, you saw a consummate professional. She was outstanding in front of the green screen. When she was in the field reporting live, she was even better. The best live shot of Super Storm Sandy belongs to Elise. She stood in front of the Brooklyn battery tunnel and showed us how a little trickle of water turned into a white capped, raging river. She talked us through everything and she was amazing."

The cause of Finch's death has not been determined, according to information on WCBS New York's website.