A quiet neighborhood in White Bear Lake was shattered over the weekend after a fast-moving house fire left a family of four dead, including a well-known hockey reporter.
According to the New York Post, authorities say the blaze that killed Jessi Pierce and her three young children is still under investigation, but early findings do not point to arson.
“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 local fire department said in a statement Monday.
“Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring our first responders involved in this incident heal alongside the community.”
Emergency crews were first alerted around 5:26 a.m. Saturday after neighbors reported flames coming from the roof of a single-family home on Richard Avenue. Witnesses told authorities they believed people were still inside.
“Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts,” an earlier statement said.
Firefighters later discovered four victims — one adult and three children — along with a dog inside the home. None survived.
Pierce’s children — Cayden, Hudson, and Avery — were 4, 6, and 8 years old.
Investigators, including the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, are continuing to examine the cause of the blaze.
Pierce had spent the last decade covering the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com and contributed to multiple outlets over the years. Just one day before the fire, she shared a photo on social media showing an ice cream outing with her children.
She is survived by her husband, Mike.
In a statement, the Wild organization expressed its grief.
“The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,” the team said. “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.”
Michael Russo of The Athletic also paid tribute.
“There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are,” he wrote. “Jessi Pierce (Hinrichs) 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. 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.”
“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.”
