Jessi Pierce, a 37-year-old National Hockey League reporter and podcaster, died Saturday in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, alongside her three children, the league and local authorities confirmed.
Incident and investigation
Emergency crews were called to the White Bear Lake property just before 5:30 a.m. after neighbours reported flames emerging through the roof and said they believed people were inside. Firefighters arriving on scene found a “fully involved structure fire” and recovered the bodies of one adult and three children, as well as a family pet, the White Bear Lake Fire Department said.
Authorities and the NHL later identified the adult as Jessi Pierce and the children as Hudson, Cayden and Avery. Pierce’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, is not believed to have been at the property at the time. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office has confirmed an investigation into what sparked the blaze is ongoing.
Career and tributes
Pierce wrote for NHL.com and co-hosted the Bardown Beauties hockey podcast. In a statement, the league said: “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 added that Pierce “loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”
Her editor-in-chief Bill Price said the “entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children.” Mike Hinrichs paid tribute to his “beautiful and vibrant” wife, saying, “Jessi was beautiful, vibrant, and full of life – she lit up every room she walked into and made everyone feel welcome.”
The White Bear Lake Fire Department said, “Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy.” Further details have not been released as officials continue their investigation.
Family
Pierce is survived by her husband, Mike Hinrichs. The names of her three children released by the NHL are Hudson, Cayden and Avery. The community and hockey world have expressed condolences as a formal investigation proceeds.
Image Referance: https://www.thesun.ie/news/16718069/jessi-pierce-dies-children-nhl-house-fire-minnesota/