The numbers

Jessi Pierce, a 37-year-old NHL reporter, and her three children tragically died in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on March 21, 2026. The White Bear Lake Fire Department received a call at 5:26 a.m. regarding the fire, which resulted in the discovery of four deceased individuals: one adult and three children aged 4, 6, and 8 years old.

Preliminary findings from the fire department indicate no evidence that the fire was set intentionally. “Our preliminary findings have not led to any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,” a spokesperson from the White Bear Lake Fire Department stated. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the department is dedicating resources to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident.

Jessi’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was away on a business trip during the fire, leaving the family to face this devastating event alone. The community has rallied in support of the family, with a GoFundMe page established to help cover funeral costs, which has raised over $172,622.

Jessi Pierce was a well-regarded sports reporter who covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for the last 10 seasons. Her work in the sports community earned her respect and admiration from fans and colleagues alike. The Minnesota Wild organization expressed their condolences, stating, “Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her.”

Michael Russo, a fellow reporter, shared the sentiment of the community, saying, “There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are.” The loss of Jessi and her children has left a profound impact on those who knew them and the broader community.

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, observers are left to grapple with the enormity of this tragedy. Details remain unconfirmed, but the outpouring of support for the Pierce family highlights the community’s commitment to honoring their memory.

The tragic deaths of Jessi Pierce and her children serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected nature of such devastating events. The community of White Bear Lake, along with the sports world, mourns the loss of a beloved reporter and her young children.