The White Bear Lake Fire Department has officially announced, with heavy hearts, the tragic loss of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three young children in last week’s fatal fire.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze that claimed the lives of 38-year-old Pierce and her children—Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4. At present, there is no indication that the fire was deliberately set.
During a Wednesday evening update, Fire Chief Greg Peterson expressed deep sorrow in confirming the identities of the four victims who perished in the catastrophic house fire on March 21, 2026, on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue.
“Jessi Hinrichs (Pierce), 38, Hudson Hinrichs, 8, Cayden Hinrichs, 6, and Avery Hinrichs, 4, are lovingly remembered by their husband and father, Mike Hinrichs, and the communities of White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi,” Peterson stated.
He added, “We remain in close communication with Mike to offer support to him, his family, and friends. He has requested privacy as he mourns and as loved ones attempt to cope during this unimaginable period.”
Peterson further mentioned that both the White Bear Lake Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office are fully committed to uncovering the fire’s origin, dedicating all available resources to the investigation.
Jessi Pierce, 38, and her kids Hudson, Cayden and Avery were declared dead after a house fire
The sports world is rallying around the husband of Pierce after he lost his wife and kids
Pierce, 38, and her children Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4, all perished in the fire as her husband Mike was away on business. Authorities do not suspect arson
His statement continued: ‘Again, our preliminary findings have not led to any evidence that the fire was set intentionally. The official cause and further information will be released once the investigation is complete.’
Hinrichs was away from the home on business at the time of the fire, according to authorities.
A GoFundMe has been setup to support him, with the money going towards ‘covering funeral expenses’ and ‘providing financial support… during this period of grief.’
At the time of writing, the page had attracted 2,300 donations totaling more than $212,000 of its $250,000 target.
Among those to make the biggest contributions are Pierce’s local NHL team, the Minnesota Wild ($10,000), the Columbus Blue Jackets ($10,000), the NHL Players’ Association ($5,000), staff at NHL.com ($2,235), and the Professional Hockey Writers Association ($1,000).
The GoFundMe included a tribute to Pierce, which read: ‘Jessi had a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart. She was devoted to her family, going above and beyond to create many moments of joy and everlasting memories.
‘The children, each with their own unique personalities, shared Jessi’s zest for life and love for adventure. They leave behind Mike, husband to Jessi and loving father of their children, who is now experiencing an unimaginably difficult time.’
On Sunday, Pierce was remembered by NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price as an ‘absolute joy to work with.’
‘The entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children,’ he said. ‘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.’
Jackie Redmond, who covers the NHL for TNT, called Pierce a ‘clear talent’ and an ‘undeniably wonderful human being.’
Pierce is pictured with her children while adorned in Team USA hockey apparel
Pierce was a mother to three young kids in Hudson, Cayden and Avery (pictured on Friday)
The 38-year-old mother of three loved her children ‘more than anything’, an ex-colleague said
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The fire department responded to a 911 call in White Bear Lake just before 5:30am Saturday from Pierce’s neighbors, who saw flames coming through the roof and said there were likely people inside.
It is believed they found a ‘fully involved structure fire’ upon arrival.
‘Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy,’ Chief Peterson said in a statement. ‘We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.’
The Minnesota Wild issued a team statement after Pierce’s death was confirmed.
‘The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,’ the Wild said in the statement.
‘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.’
