Jessi Pierce, NHL Reporter and 3 kids die in White Bear Lake, Minnesota house fire. Cause of blaze yet to be determined while officials rule out arson.
National Hockey League (NHL) reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children and family dog were killed in a house fire at their White Bear Lake, Minnesota residence over the weekend.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department said in a statement that firefighters responded to a 911 call around 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 from neighbors after they reported seeing fire through the roof along with stating that there were likely people inside.
The tragedy led to Pierce, 37, and her three children, Cayden, Hudson and Avery, dying in a house fire with authorities yet to determine the cause of the fire. Arson had been ruled out.
NHL reporter house fire not set on fire intentionally
‘Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts,’ an initial press release from Sunday stated.
‘We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and our preliminary findings have not led to the any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,’ the fire department said in a release Monday. ‘Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring our first responders involved in this incident heal alongside the community.’
Pierce’s children were 4, 6 and 8 years old, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Pierce was a contributor to NHL.com for the last 10 seasons.
A graduate of Iowa State University, Pierce was immersed in Minnesota sports, co-hosting the ‘Bardown Beauties’ podcast about the Wild in addition to her work covering the team. She had also written for USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal, Massachusetts Hockey, The Athletic and the B1G Ice Hockey blog, which focuses on Big Ten hockey.
GoFundme fundraiser launched for surviving husband, Mike Hinrichs
One day before the fatal fire, Pierce had shared a photo on X of an ice cream run with her children.
She is reportedly survived by her husband, Mike.
‘The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,’ the Wild said in a release. ‘Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her. She served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL. Jessi and her children will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them.’
Fans have since rallied behind the family, setting up a GoFundMe for Mike, titled, ‘Support Mike Hinrichs After Losing Jessi (Pierce) & Children.’
At the time of publishing, fans had already raised $174,132 to support him and his family during their time of grief.
