The hockey world is mourning the sudden loss of Jessi Pierce, a respected NHL reporter who covered Minnesota Wild for more than a decade. Pierce, 37, was killed in a house fire along with her three children, Hudson, Cayden, and Avery, on Saturday, 21 March, in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Her death has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, where she was known not only for her professional dedication but also for her warmth and commitment to family. This tragedy has prompted tributes from colleagues, players, and fans across the hockey landcape.
The Fire on Richard Avenue
Emergency crews responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:25 AM on Saturday on Richard Avenue in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Neighbours reported flames shooting through the roof as firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed, according to the New York Post.
Julie Andrus, a neighbour, described the scene: 'We were sleeping. By the time the cops woke us, it was like a tornado of smoke,' she said.
Authorities confirmed that Pierce, her children, and the family dog were found deceased inside the home. The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the cause.
Who was Jessi Pierce?
Pierce was a fixture in hockey journalism. She covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for the past 10 seasons. A proud Iowa State graduate, she also worked directly for the Wild organisation and previously contributed to The Athletic.
Beyond her written journalism, Pierce was the co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast and a prolific contributor to USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal, and Massachusetts Hockey. Her decade of dedication to the sport made her a beloved 'ambassador for the game,' respected by colleagues and fans alike.
Despite her professional success, Pierce's greatest passion was her family. She was known for seamlessly blending her career with motherhood, often seen at the arena with one of her children.
Just a day before the tragedy, she shared a final joyful update on social media of her children enjoying a local ice cream shop, a poignant reminder of a life dedicated to her work and her three beloved children.
Tributes from the Hockey Community
The National Hockey League confirmed her death and remembered her contribution to the organisation. '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.'
The Minnesota Wild also paid tribute to Pierce: 'The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children.'
We are heartbroken and join the State of Hockey in mourning the tragic loss of Jessi and her children. May they rest in peace 💔. pic.twitter.com/H8L8Wgu6l4
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 22, 2026
They added, '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.'
Meanwhile, Pierce's cohost on Bardown Beauties, Kirsten Krull, said Pierce was like 'another big sister' to her. 'Family isn't always blood, but the people you choose and that couldn't have been more true,' Krull 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,' she said.
Michael Russo, who covers hockey for The Athletic, also paid tribute on X. He remembers Pierce as 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.'
He added, '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.'
There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 22, 2026
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…
Russo said that Pierce was 'the greatest mother who did everything she could to bring joy to her sweetest kids.' He also offered his condolences to Pierce's husband amid the '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,' Russo concluded.
Pierce's Husband Breaks His Silence
Pierce is survived by her husband, Mike Hinrichs, who was not home at the time of the blaze. In a moving tribute released to CBS Minnesota (WCCO) and other local outlets, Hinrichs remembered his wife as a 'vibrant' force of nature.
'Jessi was beautiful, vibrant, and full of life—she lit up every room she walked into and made everyone feel welcome,' Hinrichs shared. 'She left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her.'
