Tragedy has struck the sporting community following the devastating news that veteran sportswriter Jessi Pierce and her three young children died in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, has left a profound impact on friends, family, and colleagues alike.
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Jessi Pierce, a respected hockey journalist, was only 37 years old and was well-known for her contributions to NHL reporting, notably on NHL.com. During a recent outing, she had shared moments of joy with her children—Hudson, eight; Cayden, six; and Avery, four—just one day before the tragedy struck. Pictures taken during this family day out depicted the children happily enjoying ice cream and other treats, showcasing the close-knit bonds they shared.
At the time of the incident, Jessi’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was on a work trip, which added an additional layer of heartbreak to the already tragic circumstances. Firefighters were alerted to the emergency shortly after 5:30 a.m. after concerned neighbours noticed smoke billowing from the family home. Upon arrival, first responders found the house fully engulfed in flames. Tragically, Jessi, her three children, and their dog were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Mike Hinrichs, which has already amassed over £115,000 in donations. Organiser Diana Johnson-Salvador praised Jessi for her “larger-than-life personality” and described her as fiercely devoted to her family. The fundraiser aims to reach £140,000 to help cover funeral costs and provide financial assistance to Hinrichs during this difficult time.
Many people from the hockey community have shared their memories of Jessi, highlighting her undeniable passion for the sport and her lively character. Kirsten Krull, her co-host on the Bardown Beauties podcast, expressed her grief on social media, remarking that Jessi was like a big sister to her. Krull fondly remembered Jessi’s engagement with everyone around her, as well as her relentless work ethic and deep love for her family.
The absence of Jessi during a recent Minnesota Wild game against the Dallas Stars was palpably felt by both fans and fellow reporters. Michael Russo and Joe Smith from The Athletic echoed this sentiment in a tribute, noting the emptiness in her usual spot in the press box that day. The loss was not only a personal one for those who knew her but also a significant blow to those who had followed her work over the years.
Even the athletes Jessi had covered expressed their sorrow at her sudden passing. Connor Beaupre, an emergency goaltender for the Wild, reflected on the impact Jessi had on both the hockey community and her colleagues. “I think she’d be speechless at how big a legacy she left behind,” he remarked, noting how deeply her contributions resonated with those around her.
As the investigation into the fire continues, the community remains united in grief while rallying to support Mike Hinrichs and honour Jessi Pierce’s memory. The loss of Jessi and her children serves as a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of community support during tragic times. Those who knew her remember her not just for her professional achievements, but for her warmth, love, and unyielding dedication to her family.