Authorities Detail Initial Findings After NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce, 3 Kids Killed in House Fire

After NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, who covered the Minnesota Wild, and her three kids were killed in a house fire, the White Bear Lake Fire Department has shared initial investigative findings.

Officials are still searching for answers about the fire that led to Jessi Pierce and her family’s tragic deaths.

After the National Hockey League (NHL) reporter, who covered the Minnesota Wild, as well as her and husband Mike Hinrichs’ three kids Hudson, Casey and Avery were killed in a March 21 house fire, authorities have shared insight from their ongoing investigation.

“Our preliminary findings have not led to any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,” the White Bear Lake Fire Department wrote in a March 23 press release. “The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

Elsewhere in the update, the fire officials assured they are “dedicating all possible resources,” to investigating the fire, adding, “Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy.”

As authorities continue to investigate, Jessi’s loved ones have expressed their grief. The reporter’s Bardown Beauties podcast co-host Kristin Krull wrote in a March 23 post on X that continuing on with life without her longtime friend felt “cruel.”

“All we can do is continue to try to move forward the best we can,” Kristin wrote. “My heart hurts for everyone today just doing their best to make it through the day.”

It has been a difficult week for the NHL and Minnesota communities. The NHL confirmed the 37-year-old and her children had died in a release March 22. (The White Bear Lake Fire Department also confirmed the family’s dog died in the fire.)

“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 league wrote 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.”

Instagram

Firefighters had responded to an emergency in the early hours of the morning March 21 after neighbors reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the home and warned there were likely people inside.

“It is a very difficult and sad day for our community,” the White Bear Lake Fire Department added in their initial release. “Our hearts ache for all those involved in this tragedy.”