The hockey community is mourning the tragic loss of beloved reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children, who died in a devastating house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Pierce, 37, and her children Hudson, Cayden, and Avery were declared dead on Saturday after flames engulfed their family home.
Final Family Outing Captured in Heartbreaking Photos
Just one day before their deaths, Pierce shared poignant images on social media showing her children enjoying what would become their final family outing. The photos captured the trio happily eating ice cream cones from Cup and Cone, a cherished local ice cream stand that had just celebrated its 53rd opening day.
In one particularly touching image, Pierce's children were seen patiently waiting in line with other customers winding down the sidewalk. She playfully captioned the post "bag(s) secured," showcasing her characteristic warmth and humor. Another photo showed one of her sons enjoying a sandwich during their special day together.
Emergency Response and Investigation
White Bear Lake fire department responded to a 911 call just before 5:30am on Saturday from concerned neighbors who reported seeing flames coming through the roof and suspected people might be trapped inside. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered what they described as a "fully involved structure fire."
Tragically, responders found four victims at the scene: an adult and three children, all deceased. A family dog also perished in the blaze. White Bear Lake police chief Greg Peterson confirmed that an investigation into the fire's cause remains ongoing, with additional information to be released when appropriate.
"Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy," said White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson in an official statement. "We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time."
Hockey Community Mourns Respected Colleague
Pierce was a respected hockey journalist who covered the NHL's Minnesota Wild for multiple media outlets over the past decade. She served as a dedicated reporter for NHL.com and previously wrote for The Athletic, USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey Journal, and Massachusetts Hockey publications.
The National Hockey League led tributes to the late reporter, stating: "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. Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly."
Colleagues Remember a Talented Professional
NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price remembered Pierce as "an absolute joy to work with" and noted that "the entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children. Jessi's love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us."
Jackie Redmond, who covers the NHL for TNT, described Pierce as both a "clear talent" and an "undeniably wonderful human being," reflecting the widespread admiration she earned throughout her career.
The Minnesota Wild organization released a statement expressing their heartbreak: "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."
Support for Surviving Family Member
Pierce and her children are survived by her husband and their father, Mike Hinrichs, who was reportedly away from home for work when the fire occurred. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to provide financial support during this unimaginably difficult time.
As of Sunday evening, the fundraiser had collected nearly $22,000 toward its $50,000 goal, demonstrating the outpouring of support from the hockey community and beyond. The tragic loss has left friends, colleagues, and hockey fans across Minnesota and the nation grieving for a family taken far too soon.
