Connecticut has lost a TV news legend.

Denise D'Ascenzo was the face of Channel 3 Eyewitness news for 33 years and passed away on Saturday at her home.

According to her family, she had a sudden massive heart attack and died in her sleep.

The 61-year-old recently went for a physical and was in good health, according to her husband.

Dr. Jeffrey Green at the Heart Center in Stamford says about 50% of heart attacks occur without any prior history of heart disease or without prior warning.

Doctors say heart disease is the No. 1 killer in this country.

News 12's Mark Sudol worked with D'Ascenzo and commented that she was a kind person whose family came first, as well as a great journalist.