Authorities reveal more about the heartbreaking blaze that took Jessi Pierce and her children

Minnesota hockey community mourns as Jessi Pierce and her three children die in tragic house fire 💔🔥

A devastating tragedy has shaken the Minnesota hockey community. Jessi Pierce, who had covered the Minnesota Wildfor NHL.com for the past decade, lost her life in a house fire in White Bear Lake on Saturday morning.

The fire also claimed the lives of her three children — Cayden, Hudson, and Avery — and the family dog. The children were ages 4, 6, and 8, according to reports from The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

Immediate response and investigation

The White Bear Lake Fire Department confirmed Monday that the fire is not being treated as arson. Pierce’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was at work when the fire broke out.

“We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and our preliminary findings have not led to any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,” the department said.

Fire crews responded to the residence on Richard Avenue at 5:26 a.m. after neighbors spotted flames on the roof and feared people were inside. By the time firefighters arrived, the home was fully engulfed, and tragically, Pierce, her three children, and their dog were found deceased.

Investigators from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are working alongside local authorities, dedicating all available resources to determine the cause of the fire.

A legacy remembered

Pierce’s contributions to the hockey world were immense. Over a decade of reporting for NHL.com, she built strong connections across the Minnesota Wild community and earned the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

In the wake of the tragedy, messages of grief, love, and support have poured in from across the hockey community, honoring her dedication, passion, and impact. Her legacy will be remembered not only for her journalism but also for the kindness and energy she brought to everyone around her.

💬 The hockey world mourns.
Fans and colleagues are sharing memories and paying tribute to Pierce and her family. This tragic loss serves as a reminder of how quickly life can change, and the profound impact one person can leave behind.