Jessi Pierce, a longtime hockey reporter in Minnesota, and her three children died in a house fire early Saturday, the NHL confirmed. She was 37.
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The White Bear Lake Fire Department responded to reports of a fire shortly before 5:30 a.m. and found what officials described as a "fully involved structure fire." Authorities said one adult and three children died. The victims were later identified as Pierce and her children.
A neighbor described the scene as chaotic and overwhelming.
"We were sleeping. By the time the cops woke us, it was like a tornado of smoke," Julie Andrus told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for the past decade and was a familiar voice in the hockey community. She also contributed to several outlets, including The Athletic, and co-hosted the podcast Bardown Beauties.
We are heartbroken and join the State of Hockey in mourning the tragic loss of Jessi and her children. May they rest in peace 💔. pic.twitter.com/H8L8Wgu6l4
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 22, 2026
"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," the NHL said in a statement. "Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly."
The Minnesota Wild also issued a statement.
"Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her," the team said. "She served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey. Jessi and her children will be greatly missed."
A gofundme has been set up in support of Jessi Pierce's husband, Mike Hinrichs, following this weekend's tragedy:https://t.co/02FdznJk2m
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 23, 2026
Michael Russo of The Athletic remembered her energy and presence.
"Jessi Pierce was the most vibrant person - the life of the party, always with a smile," he wrote. "More than anything, she absolutely loved Hudson, Cayden and Avery and was the greatest mother."
Pierce is survived by her husband, Mike.
Investigators have not yet released details on the cause of the fire.
