Community Rallies for Survivor After Devastating Fire Claims NHL Reporter and Family
The hockey community and beyond are mourning the tragic loss of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three young children, who perished in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on Saturday. A fundraiser has been swiftly launched to support her surviving husband, Mike Hinrichs, as he faces unimaginable grief.
Tragic Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The 37-year-old Pierce, who used her maiden name professionally while covering the Minnesota Wild for outlets including NHL.com and The Athletic, was at home with her children Hudson, Cayden, and Avery when the fire engulfed their residence. Her husband, Mike Hinrichs, was away on a work trip at the time, escaping the tragedy.
White Bear Lake police chief Greg Peterson confirmed that an investigation into the blaze is ongoing, with additional details to be released when appropriate. The fire department responded to a 911 call from neighbors just before 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, finding a fully involved structure fire upon arrival.
Outpouring of Support and Grief
As of Sunday evening, a GoFundMe page established to benefit Hinrichs had raised nearly $22,000 toward a $50,000 goal. The anonymous entry on the fundraiser described Pierce as having a "larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart," emphasizing her devotion to her family.
Colleagues and friends have shared heartfelt tributes online. Michael Russo, a Wild beat writer for The Athletic, expressed profound sorrow, noting Pierce's vibrant personality and dedication to her children. "Jessi simply loved covering the Wild and hockey throughout Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone's day with her upbeat, bubbly personality," Russo wrote.
Kirsten Krull, co-host of The Bardown Beauties podcast with Pierce, remembered her as a confident and supportive friend with an unmatched work ethic. NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price called Pierce an "absolute joy to work with," highlighting her passion for both family and hockey.
Remembering a Dedicated Professional and Loving Mother
Pierce's career spanned several media outlets, including contributions to The Athletic, Minnesota Hockey Journal, and Massachusetts Hockey. She was known for her energetic reporting and storytelling, with Jackie Redmond of TNT praising her as a "clear talent" and "undeniably wonderful human being."
Her social media recently featured joyful moments, such as a trip to an ice cream shop with her children, reflecting her commitment to creating happy memories. The Minnesota Wild organization issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the loss, describing Pierce as a kind and compassionate ambassador for the game.
The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses and provide financial support during this period of grief, with any contributions appreciated to help Hinrichs navigate this devastating time.
