NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce and Her 3 Children Killed in House Fire

Pierce had shared photos of her family just a day before the tragic incident in Minnesota

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Late NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, 37, tragically died alongside her three children, Hudson, Cayden and Avery, in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota on March 21, 2026. Just a day before the incident, Pierce had shared photos of her family enjoying an outing together on social media.

Why it matters

The sudden and devastating loss of Jessi Pierce and her three young children has sent shockwaves through the NHL community and beyond. As a respected hockey journalist, Pierce was beloved by her colleagues and fans for her vibrant personality and passion for the sport. This tragedy has left many grappling with the unfairness of such a heartbreaking loss.

The details

On March 21, 2026, firefighters responded to a residential structure fire at a single-family home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota around 5:25 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, crews found the home fully engulfed and located an adult, three children, and a dog inside, all of whom were deceased. The White Bear Lake Fire Department confirmed that the victims were Jessi Pierce and her three children.

  • On Friday, March 20, 2026, Pierce shared photos of her family enjoying an outing on social media.
  • The fatal house fire occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The players

Jessi Pierce

A 37-year-old NHL reporter who worked for NHL.com for 10 seasons and co-hosted the Bardown Beauties podcast.

Hudson, Cayden and Avery

Jessi Pierce's three children who died alongside her in the house fire.

White Bear Lake Fire Department

The fire department that responded to and confirmed the tragic incident.

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What they’re saying

“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 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.”

— Michael Russo, Reporter, The Athletic

The takeaway

This tragic loss has devastated the hockey community, who will deeply miss Jessi Pierce's infectious energy, passion, and ability to connect with everyone she encountered. While nothing can undo this heartbreak, the outpouring of support and tributes to Pierce and her children serves as a testament to the lasting impact she made through her work and relationships.