A tragic house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota claimed the lives of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, 37, and her three children on Saturday, the league announced Sunday. Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com over the past decade as a correspondent and was beloved by fans and colleagues alike.
What Happened
Firefighters were called early Saturday morning after neighbors reported flames coming through the roof of a home in White Bear Lake.
When crews arrived, they found:
- An adult
- Three children
- A dog
inside the burning residence, all of whom were pronounced dead at the scene, the White Bear Lake Fire Department said. The department did not immediately release the names of the victims in its Saturday statement.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
NHL Community Responds
Pierce’s colleagues at NHL.com shared a heartfelt statement about her impact:
“Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us. She was an absolute joy to talk to and work with. She will be deeply missed.”
— Bill Price, vice president and editor‑in‑chief of NHL.com
The Minnesota Wild also paid tribute to Pierce on social media, noting her warmth, compassion, and service as an ambassador for the sport.
Remembering Jessi Pierce
Pierce was widely respected in the hockey world for her coverage of the Wild and her connection to fans. Known as a warm, engaging personality, she represented the game with authenticity and humanity. Fans and colleagues have been sharing memories and condolences online since the news was announced.
The loss of Pierce and her children has deeply saddened the “State of Hockey,” where the sport is an essential part of community life.
Community Reaction
Fire Chief Greg Peterson offered the department’s sympathies and asked for space for the community to grieve and support each other during the difficult time.
A memorial for Pierce and her family has drawn an outpouring of condolences from across the league, fans, and fellow journalists.
The deaths of Jessi Pierce and her children in a house fire have shocked the hockey community and beyond. Pierce’s contributions to NHL coverage and her connection to the Minnesota fanbase have left a lasting impact.
As the investigation into the fire continues, friends, family, and fans are grieving the sudden loss of a beloved reporter and her young children.
