Emmy award-winning meteorologist Elise Finch died Sunday due to unknown causes as people remembered the CBS reporter for her professionalism and caring personality.
Finch was on the weather team for CBS New York affiliate WCBS-TV where she worked on the morning news team. She was 51.
"Elise was a gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work. She was also a wonderful ambassador in the community," the CBS New York team said in an announcement of her passing.
Before joining CBS, Finch reported on the "Early Today Show," MSNBC and NBC Weather Plus as a meteorologist. She started her broadcasting career coordinating special projects and live events for E! Entertainment Television.
Finch graduated from Mount Vernon High School in her hometown then went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree at Georgetown University. She held a Master of Science degree in broadcast journalism from Syracuse University and a seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.
Finch is survived by her daughter Grace and husband Graig Henriques, a photojournalist at WCBS.
Condolences from colleagues and journalists are pouring in from across stations.
"My heart is broken. Our team will never be the same. No one matched musical wits better. I’ll miss you much," tweeted WCBS co-anchor Chris Wragge who worked with Finch on the morning news.
"My heart hurts. 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," CBS2 News and Inside Edition anchor Mary Calvi said who also worked with Finch on the morning news.
"I am so devastated to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague @EliseFinch. She was the best. A caring soul,” tweeted Otis Livingston, WCBS-TV sports director.
"She was outstanding in front of the green screen. When she was in the field reporting live, she was even better," lead weather anchor for WCBS-TV Lonnie Quinn wrote on Facebook. "If she had even attempted stand-up comedy, she would have brought the house down. In recent days, I would walk into work as Elise was heading home. If we didn't talk, she would at least flash me a smile. That smile set the tone for my day."
"This smart, beautiful, and loving woman will be missed. And, always remembered by those of us lucky to have known her. Thank you for the laughs my friend," FOX 5 WNYW meteorologist Audrey Puente said on Facebook.
"The song of her life deserved many more verses. Her gifts were many, and so too the lives she touched," reporter for WCBS-TV Tony Aiello tweeted. "My deepest condolences to Graig and little Grace, her parents and sister, and all our CBS2 family."
"Elise served as CBS' meteorologist for over a decade and graced thousands of households with her genius. She will truly be missed. My prayers go to her family and friends," New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams tweeted.