NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her 3 children dead after fatal fire in her Minnesota town
NHL Journalist Jessi Pierce and Her Three Children Pass Away in Minnesota House Fire
A tragic incident in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, claimed the lives of NHL journalist Jessi Pierce and her three children during a house fire on Saturday. The NHL shared the news of their deaths on Sunday, expressing sorrow over the loss. In a statement on X, the league noted, “The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children.”
Victims Identified
According to the White Bear Lake Fire Department, the fire resulted in the deaths of an adult, three children, and a dog. Fire Chief Greg Peterson confirmed that Jessi Pierce, known professionally as Jessi Pierce, was among the victims. He clarified that Hinrichs was her married name. The other victims were identified as Hudson Hinrichs, 8; Cayden Hinrichs, 6; and Avery Hinrichs, 4.
Investigation and Community Impact
Neighbors called 911 after noticing flames emerging from the roof, prompting emergency crews to arrive at a fully engulfed structure. Peterson noted that the fire’s cause remains under review, with no indication of arson at this time. “The official cause and further details will be shared once the investigation concludes,” he stated.
A verified GoFundMe page, linked to NBC News, highlighted Pierce’s dedication to her family. It described her as “devoted to her family, going above and beyond to create many moments of joy and everlasting memories.” The page also emphasized how her children “shared Jessi’s zest for life and love for adventure.”
Legacy of a Sports Enthusiast
Pierce spent a decade contributing to NHL.com, covering the Minnesota Wild, her hometown team. NHL.com called her “a fixture on the area’s sports scene” in an online tribute, recalling her cheerful presence at Grand Casino Arena. “Often cloaked in a blanket to combat the cold in the press box,” the obituary noted, while also honoring her role as a devoted mother.
“When Pierce started her family, she would sometimes show up to a Wild practice with one of her young children on her hip, blending family and work into a modern-day package,” the tribute added.
The Minnesota Wild expressed their grief, remembering Pierce as “a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her.” They also praised her as a “dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey” during her tenure with the team. “Jessi and her children will be greatly missed,” the team said.
“A lot of tears were shed at the arena yesterday,” shared Michael Russo, a reporter for The Athletic. “We, in the Wild media and inside the Wild, will miss seeing Jessi everyday, laughing with her everyday,” he added. “The press box and press room won’t be the same without her.”
Isabel Yip serves as a news associate for NBC News, while Joe Kottke, an assignment editor covering domestic news, including politics, immigration, crime, entertainment, and severe weather, contributed to the reporting.
