The hockey world is still reeling after a devastating house fire claimed the life of beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three young children.
Pierce, 37, and her kids — Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4 — were killed when a fast-moving fire tore through their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, early Saturday morning. A family dog also perished in the blaze.
Now, authorities are providing an update on the cause of the fire.
A sudden, unimaginable tragedy
No matter your love for hockey, the heartbreaking loss of Jessi Pierce and her three children hits hard. Known as a “ray of sunshine,” Pierce and her kids died in a tragic house fire on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the hockey world.
According to officials, firefighters responded to a frantic 911 call from neighbors who reported flames shooting through the roof of the home and feared people were trapped inside.
By the time first responders arrived, the house was already fully engulfed.
Neighbor Julie Andrus, who had lived next door to the family for years, described the terrifying moment:
”We were sleeping. By the time the cops woke us, it was like a tornado of smoke.”
She remembered the family fondly, calling them “so nice” and sharing that the children were often seen playing happily outside.
Shared a sweet moment the day before
Just one day before the tragedy, Pierce had shared sweet moments with her children on social media — photos of them enjoying ice cream together at a local shop.
It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly everything changed.
At the same time, investigators are beginning to uncover more clues about the fire’s cause. Pierce’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was away on work and not at home when it started.
Authorities say arson was not to blame for the tragic Minnesota house fire that claimed the lives of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, her three children, and the family dog.
On Monday, March 23, the White Bear Lake Fire Department shared an update, explaining that preliminary findings “have not led to evidence that the fire was set intentionally.”
The department emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and officials are dedicating “all possible resources” to uncovering the cause.
“…We want to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to find out what led to this tragedy,” the WBLFD added in a statement.
Fundraiser launched
In the wake of the tragedy, a fundraiser has been launched to support him as he faces an unimaginable loss. Thousands have already come together to donate, showing just how many lives Jessi and her family touched.
At the time of writing, donations have reached $185,250.
Pierce spent over a decade covering the NHL, most notably the Minnesota Wild, and was widely respected for her passion and warmth.
To those who worked with her, Jessi Pierce was just as memorable for her warmth and presence as for her reporting — a steady, upbeat voice in press boxes and on podcasts, always making room for others in a competitive industry.
“Jessi was like another big sister to me,” her podcast co-host Kirsten Krull wrote on X. “She had a confidence and a way of being able to talk to anyone that I envied. She had an unmatched work ethic and a huge heart.”
Tributes pour In
The Minnesota Wild organization also shared an emotional message:
“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.”
Colleague Michael Russo struggled to put the loss into words:
“There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are. Jessi Pierce was the most vibrant person – the life of the party, always with a smile on her face, always bringing a passion to every article and podcast and interview she did.”
He added:
“Jessi simply loved covering the Wild and hockey throughout Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone’s day with her upbeat, bubbly personality. I have literally NEVER met anybody that had a way of being EVERYBODY’s friend.”
And perhaps most heartbreakingly, he said:
”More than anything, she absolutely loved Hudson, Cayden and Avery and was the greatest mother who did everything she could to bring joy to her sweetest kids.”
This is a story that has shaken not just the hockey community, but everyone who hears it—a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how quickly everything can change. RIP Jessi, Hudson, Cayden, and Avery!
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