Veteran Connecticut anchor Denise D'Ascenzo dies 'suddenly and unexpectedly' at 61, cause of death unclear
WFSB anchor Denise D’Ascenzo, who was almost a daily fixture on television screens in Connecticut, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, December 7, the station announced in a segment titled 'Farewell, friend.'
"Denise died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 7th in her Connecticut home. The grief we are all feeling is immeasurable," the network wrote.
She had been a household name in Connecticut for more than 30 years and was called a "news legend" after her death. She was only 61 years old.
“We have some heartbreaking news to share tonight,” the station wrote. “Denise D’Ascenzo passed away today. It was sudden and unexpected. The grief we are all feeling is immeasurable. We are devastated for her husband and daughter who were her whole life.”
The cause of death is still not known.
The station also explained that D’Ascenzo had come to WFSB TV in 1986 and "through the years has been a steady and reassuring presence on the anchor desk, covering all the major local and national news stories of the day.”
D’Ascenzo was an 11-time Emmy-Award winning journalist who anchored the 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm newscast.
Governor Ned Lamont wrote: “News of @DeniseDAscenzo’s passing is incredibly saddening. She was a trusted name in journalism, and her work most certainly made an impact. My deepest condolences go to her family, friends, and colleagues at @WFSB. She is undoubtedly a CT news legend.”
“Denise has long been a leading voice across Connecticut in raising greater awareness of such conditions as breast cancer, heart disease, obesity and disease prevention,” her station bio mentioned.
Over her long career at the network, D’Ascenzo had handled several stories, including the 1988 Republic Convention, the U.S. visit of Pope John Paul the II, the crash of United flight 232 and the arrest of the Washington, DC sniper and more.