THE sister of CBS meteorologist Elise Finch has spoken out after the TV star's unexpected death at the age of 51.
Finch died at a New York hospital on July 16. Her cause of death was not revealed, but her colleagues at CBS said her death was unexpected.
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The New York City meteorologist's wake was held in her hometown of Mount Vernon, New York, on Monday where family and friends came to honor her memory.
"We're struggling. You know, it was very difficult. It was so sudden," Finch's sister Kiya told CBS News.
"There will be good days and bad days, but we are a family of faith, believers.
"We are Christians, and we are thankful every single day that she was here for as long as she was," Kiya said.
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WCBS released a statement upon Finch's death, calling her "a gifted and consummate professional who took great care with her work."
"She was also a wonderful ambassador in the community, including her hometown of Mount Vernon.
"Above all, Elise was a fiercely loving and devoted mother to her daughter Grace and wife to Graig Henriques," it added.
Finch's sister shared her gratitude for everyone's support during this time.
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"Prayerfully, everyone has rallied around us," Kiya said. "Our community has come out for us."
"Mount Vernon has been amazing and taken such good care of us," she added.
Kiya asked for people to continue to pray for Finch's loved ones.
"We just ask people to remember us and keep us in your prayers," she said.
"Because when everyone leaves, and there is silence, then we have to continue the grieving process in a different way," Kiya added.
Finch sat alongside co-host Cindy Hsu for WCBS' morning newscast.
She started as a weekend meteorologist for WCBS back in 2007 in what was a 16-year-long career, per a statement from CBS News.
Fans might remember Finch hosting the morning news with other anchors such as Mary Calvi and Chris Wragge in recent years.
Finch's funeral took place at 10.30am on Tuesday.
