Donations surge in for Jessi Pierce’s husband after tragic fire

Donations are pouring in for family of Jessi Pierce and her three beloved children after their tragic deaths in a Saturday morning house fire in White Bear Lake.

Pierce, 37, legal name Jessi Hinrichs, died along with children Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4, and the family dog at their home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue.

Pierce’s husband and the children’s father, Mike Hinrichs, was out of town on a work trip at the time of the fire, and a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help him in the wake of his devastating loss.

Having been launched on Sunday afternoon, donations quickly surged to more than $87,000 as of Monday morning.

Jessi Pierce, Mike Hinrichs, and their three children.GoFundMe
(GoFundMe)

Mike Hinrichs confirmed their tragic deaths on social media Sunday, writing: “Jess was beautiful, vibrant, full of life – she lit up every room she walked into and made everyone feel welcome.

“She left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. Above all she was a devoted and loving mother to her three amazing children: Hudson, Cayden, and Avery.

“While Jess was lucky to land her dream job writing about hockey, podcasting, and more, she spent every second beyond that creating adventures with her family. Avery loved fashion and dance. Cayden, a comedian-in-training loved wrestling for sport and for play. Hudson was full of curiosity and loved basketball and sports.

“Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this unimaginable tragedy. We hold onto the memories, the laugher, and the love they gave so freely.”

There was an outpouring of grief from the North American hockey community as the news broke, including from her podcast co-host Krull, who likened Pierce to “a big sister.”

“Family isn’t always blood, but the people you choose and that couldn’t have been more true. Jessi was like another big sister to me,” she said. “She had a confidence and a way of being able to talk to anyone that I envied. She had an unmatched work ethic and a huge heart. Any time I needed help, needed to rant, or needed someone she was there without hesitation. Most importantly, she was the best mom and loved her kids and family fiercely.”

Prominent Minnesota Wild reporter Michael Russo paid tribute to Pierce in The Athletic, writing: “Her personality was infectious, her confidence inspiring. So even if you didn’t know her, you felt like you did. Even if you weren’t friends with her, you felt like you were.”

As of Monday morning, authorities in White Bear Lake have not released any details regarding the suspected cause of the fire.

Arson Ruled Out in Fire That Killed NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce, Per Fire Department Preliminary Findings

“… We want to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to find out what led to this tragedy,” said the White Bear Lake Fire Department

A photo of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce.Credit : Jessi Pierce/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

Jessi Pierce, her three kids and dog died in a fire that occurred in their home in White Bear Lake, Minn., in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 21
The White Bear Lake Fire Department said in a March 23 update that its preliminary findings “have not led to evidence that the fire was set intentionally”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, the fire department said

Arson was not responsible for the Minnesota house fire that led to the deaths of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, her three kids and dog.

That’s according to an update on Monday, March 23, from the White Bear Lake Fire Department (WBLFD) in Minnesota, which noted that its preliminary findings “have not led to evidence that the fire was set intentionally.”

The fire department added that the cause of the fire is still under investigation and that it was dedicating “all possible resources” to the investigation.

“… We want to assure the public that we are doing everything we can to find out what led to this tragedy,” the WBLFD said in a statement.

A photo of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce.Jessi Pierce/X

“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,” WBLFD added. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those lost this weekend. We understand our community is grieving this loss.”

WBLFD said that the official cause of the fire and further information would be released after the investigation was completed.

The fire involving Pierce and her family occurred on Saturday, March 21. Neighbors reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house — located on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue in White Bear Lake, Minn. — and noted that there were likely people inside.

WBLFD said it responded to a residential structure fire at the single-family home around 5:25 a.m. local time. When they arrived on the scene, they found a fully involved structure fire.

Firefighters immediately began fire suppression efforts and were able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside the house. Unfortunately, the fire department confirmed that all were deceased.

“Our hearts ache for all those involved in this tragedy,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson wrote in a news release. “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”

A photo of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce.Jessi Pierce/Instagram

Shortly after the incident, the NHL confirmed that Pierce, a contributor on the league’s website for the past 10 seasons and a co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast, had died in the fire alongside her three children — Hudson, Cayden and Avery.  Her husband, Mike Hinrichs, was out of town on a work trip when the incident occurred.

“Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly,” the NHL said in a statement.

Bill Price, editor-in-chief of NHL.com, described Pierce as “an absolute joy to talk to and work with.” He continued, “…Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us. She will be deeply missed.”