jessie pierce was identified by multiple media outlets as the adult found dead after a residential blaze in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, officials said, and the White Bear Lake Fire Department confirmed three children and a dog also died in the fire.
Firefighters responded after neighbors reported flames coming through the roof and likely people inside, the White Bear Lake Fire Department said, and crews arrived to find a fully involved structure fire that they immediately worked to suppress.
The Minnesota Wild and the National Hockey League expressed condolences and confirmed the victim was a longtime hockey reporter. The NHL said Pierce had been a contributor to NHL.com for a decade and that the league sent "prayers and deepest condolences" to the family.
NHL.com editor Bill Price remembered Pierce as "an absolute joy to talk to and work with," and the Wild called her "a kind, compassionate person" who "served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey," the team said.
Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild and contributed to multiple outlets, including The Athletic, USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal, Massachusetts Hockey and the B1G Ice Hockey blog, according to accounts of her work. She also co-hosted the Bardown Beauties podcast and had been a visible presence on social media.
Colleagues described her as intensely proud of her family, and outlets reported she often brought her young children to Wild practices. Sources named the children as Hudson, Cayden and Avery.
Reactions Fundraising And Ongoing Investigation
Players, coaches and reporters offered tributes. Predators coach Andrew Brunette called Pierce "a wonderful person" whose "passion for the game" was unsurpassed, and Michael Russo of The Athletic said the press box "won't be the same" without her, posts reported.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department quoted Fire Chief Greg Peterson saying "our hearts ache" for those involved and asking the community to come together, while officials noted the cause of the fire remains under investigation and detailed findings have not been released.
A GoFundMe to benefit Pierce's surviving husband, Mike Hinrichs, was launched to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial support. Media reports indicated the fundraiser had raised nearly $22,000 of a $50,000 goal.
Outlets noted Hinrichs was not at home when the fire occurred, and colleagues emphasized Pierce's role as a dedicated reporter, podcast co‑host and mother whose energy and warmth were widely remembered.
