Elise Finch, a meteorologist who worked for CBS affiliate WCBS-TV for 16 years, has .
Her death was announced on-air by her colleagues, while the new channel has released a statement expressing the ‘profound sadness’ of all who worked with her.
Having first joined WCBS in 2007 as a weekend meteorologist, Finch was described as a ‘gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work’, and was a ‘wonderful ambassador in the community’, including in her hometown of Mount Vernon.
‘Above all, Elise was a fiercely loving and devoted mother to her daughter Grace and wife to Graig Henriques, who is a photojournalist at WCBS,’ the statement continued.
CBS confirmed that Finch died in hospital, stating that her cause of death ‘has not been determined’.
Finch’s most recent appearance for WCBS-TV was on this Friday just gone.
On Monday Sunday July 17, anchor Mary Calvi paid tribute to her late coworker, saying that her ‘dedication to the job was truly evident every day, every major weather event Elise reported on – many in the elements’.
‘Truly every day was a good day when we were with Elise, and we will miss her dearly,’ she added.
In a news broadcast that aired in the early hours of Monday morning, a CBS presenter became choked up as she announced to viewers: ‘As we mentioned at the top of the show, this is a very difficult morning for our CBS2 family.’
Her co-anchor continued: ‘Our colleague and dear friend Elise Finch passed away yesterday. This morning we are remembering her and sharing some of those treasured memories.’
A compilation of photos and videos of Finch followed, with the meteorologist dubbed a ‘bright light’ in the mornings.
Her death was described as ‘sudden and unexpected’ in the voiceover.
Photographs were shown of Finch meeting several celebrities including Denzel Washington, Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah and Janet Jackson, as viewers were told of the late TV star’s love of music.
Elise met her husband on CBS2, with the pair marrying around a decade ago before welcoming their daughter Grace.
‘WCBS anchor Chris Wragge tweeted: ‘My heart is broken. Our team will never be the same. No one matched musical wits better. I’ll miss you much.’
WCBS weekend evening anchor Jessica Moore also wrote: ‘Elise was fiercely loyal to those she loved, a straight shooter, a consummate professional, and made me laugh until I cried.
‘But above all she was completely devoted to her family, especially her daughter Grace. I love you so much, my friend. Heaven now has an angel like no other.’
