JUST RELEASED: Jessi Pierce’s phone was found on a counter in smoke-damaged condition, displaying an unfinished video call with a friend — the audio distorted by the fire, but investigators believe the context may reveal more than what the footage shows…

Tragedy struck the hockey community and the city of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, in the early hours of March 21, 2026, when a devastating house fire claimed the lives of beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, her three young children, and the family dog. The incident has sent shockwaves through the sports world, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, players, fans, and organizations mourning the loss of a dedicated journalist and devoted mother.

Jessi Pierce, 37 (sometimes reported as 38 in various accounts), was a prominent figure in hockey journalism, best known for her longstanding role as a contributor to NHL.com, where she covered the Minnesota Wild for over a decade. She was also a co-host of the popular “Bardown Beauties” podcast, alongside Kirsten Krull, and frequently appeared on platforms like SKOR North. Pierce was celebrated for her passion, warmth, and insightful coverage of the game. Colleagues described her as a “kind, compassionate person” who cared deeply about her family and served as a dedicated ambassador for hockey. The Minnesota Wild released a heartfelt statement expressing profound heartbreak: “Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her.”

The fire broke out at a single-family home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue in White Bear Lake, a suburb northeast of the Twin Cities. Firefighters from the White Bear Lake Fire Department responded to reports of smoke and flames around 5:25 a.m. local time on Saturday. Neighbors had called 911 after noticing fire coming through the roof and believing people were still inside. Upon arrival, crews encountered a fully involved structure fire—meaning the blaze had engulfed the home. Despite swift suppression efforts, an adult, three children, and a dog were located inside and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The adult victim was confirmed by Fire Chief Greg Peterson to be Jessi Pierce (professional name; her married name was Hinrichs). Her children were identified as Hudson (8), Cayden (6), and Avery (4). The family dog also perished in the tragedy. Pierce’s husband, Mike Pierce, was not at home at the time and survived.

The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office and local authorities. No official details have been released regarding the origin or contributing factors, such as potential smoke detectors, electrical issues, or other hazards. The blaze’s rapid spread in the early morning hours, while the family slept, underscores the deadly risks of residential fires during overnight periods.

In the days leading up to the incident, Pierce shared joyful moments with her children. On Friday, March 20—just one day before the fire—she posted photos on social media of an outing to Cup and Cone, a beloved local ice cream stand celebrating its 53rd opening day. The children patiently waited in line for sprinkle-covered treats and sub sandwiches, capturing a scene of everyday family happiness. These final images have amplified the community’s grief, highlighting the sudden and irreversible loss.

The hockey world has united in sorrow. The NHL issued a statement extending prayers to the family, noting that Pierce loved hockey with the same intensity she reserved for her loved ones. Tributes describe her as vibrant, always smiling, and the “life of the party” in press boxes and beyond. She greeted everyone warmly, often wrapped in a blanket against the cold at Xcel Energy Center, and asked thoughtful questions that made people feel seen. Podcasts, media outlets, and fellow reporters have paused to remember her contributions, with many calling her a fixture in the Twin Cities hockey scene.

A fundraiser has been launched to support Mike Pierce and the extended family amid this unimaginable loss. Donations aim to provide financial assistance during this period of mourning and recovery.

This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of fire safety measures in homes, especially with young children present. As investigations continue, the focus remains on honoring Jessi Pierce’s legacy as a talented journalist, loving mother, and passionate advocate for the sport she adored. The hockey community—and beyond—mourns deeply, holding space for the profound grief felt by all who knew her.

Beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children dead in tragic house fire: ‘Like a tornado of smoke’

Jessi Pierce, a beloved hockey reporter in Minnesota, and her three children died in a house fire on Saturday, the NHL confirmed. She was 37.

The early morning fire in Minnesota’s White Bear Lake led to the deaths of one adult and three children, the local fire department told Fox 9, though they did not confirm the victims’ identities.

A neighbor described the horrific scene when rescuers arrived, and she awoke in the pre-dawn dark to witness Pierce’s home engulfed in flames.

“We were sleeping. By the time the cops woke us, it was like a tornado of smoke,” Julie Andrus told The Minnesota Star Tribune.

“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 NHL said 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.”

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Jessi Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild for the last 10 years.Instagram/jessip224
The White Bear Lake FD responded to reports of a fire before 5:30 a.m. Saturday after neighbors called 911, and firefighters “found a fully involved structure fire,” per Fox 9.

A deceased dog was also found at the scene. Michael Russo, who covers hockey for The Athletic, identified the kids as Hudson, Cayden and Avery and said Pierce was survived by her husband, Mike in a tribute on X.

Pierce shared photos on X Friday from her trip to the “Cup and Cone” ice cream shop in White Bear Lake with her children.

Pierce had covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for the last 10 seasons. She also spent time working for the team and previously wrote for The Athletic. She was a co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast.

The Iowa State grad also wrote for USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal and Massachusetts Hockey, among other publications, per NHL.com.

“The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,” the Wild said in a statement. “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.”

In his lengthy X post, Russo recalled Pierce’s passion for journalism.

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The White Bear Lake Fire Department responded to reports of a blaze early Saturday morning after neighbors called 911.FOX9

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Another view of the house White Bear Lake firefighters responded to on Saturday.FOX9

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“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. Even at Friday’s practice in her beloved Iowa State sweatshirt, she was so excited to take them to the seasonal opening of Cup and Cone in WBL. Seeing those precious pics yesterday, she provided them with another incredibly fun and loving day.

“My heart breaks for Mike for the loss of his wife and children and Jessi’s family, friends and colleagues for this unimaginable loss. This hockey community lost a wonderful, energetic and one of a kind voice and story teller and Grade A person. Life can be unbearably unfair sometimes, and it’s impossible to make sense of this tragedy.”