Jessi Pierce, a beloved sports journalist, and her three children tragically died in a house fire at their Minnesota home on March 21. Known for her passion for work, family, and community, Pierce had spent a decade covering hockey in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, particularly the Minnesota Wild.
The fire struck early Saturday morning, with neighbors calling 911 after seeing flames through the roof. Firefighters arrived to find a fully involved structure fire. Pierce, her three children, and the family dog were found deceased. Authorities are investigating the cause alongside the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, with no evidence of foul play yet.
The hockey community has mourned her loss. The NHL said, “Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade.” Colleagues and coaches remembered her as vibrant, dedicated, and caring—both professionally and as a mother.
In her final social media post the day before, Pierce shared a joyful photo of her children, now carrying a haunting significance. Her husband, Mike Hinrichs, and co-workers emphasized her warmth, energy, and lasting impact on family and community.