Tributes continue to pour in for NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children after the tragic fire that claimed their lives in Minnesota early Saturday morning.
‘Family isn’t always blood, but the people you choose and that couldn’t have been more true,’ Pierce’s podcast co-host, Kirsten Krull wrote on X. ‘Jessi was like another big sister to me. She had a confidence and a way of being able to talk to anyone that I envied. She had an unmatched work ethic and a huge heart.
‘Any time I needed help, needed to rant, or needed someone she was there without hesitation. Most importantly, she was the best mom and loved her kids and family fiercely.’
Pierce was a beloved reporter covering the NHL’s Minnesota Wild for several media outlets. She and her children Hudson, Cayden and Avery were declared dead Saturday after a fire engulfed their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
An investigation into the fire is ongoing, White Bear Lake police chief Greg Peterson told the Daily Mail in an email. Additional information will be provided when the department deems it appropriate.
On Sunday, the 37-year-old was remembered by NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price as an ‘absolute joy to work with.’
Pierce, who used her maiden name professionally, was married to Mike Hinrichs (right)
A GoFundMe drive has been launched to benefit Mike Hinrichs, Jessi’s surviving husband
‘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.’
Meanwhile, a fundraiser has been launched to benefit her surviving husband, Mike Hinrichs, who was reportedly away from home on work at the time of the fire.
As of Sunday evening, a GoFundMe page had raised nearly $22,000 of the $50,000 donation goal for Jessi’s surviving husband, Mike Hinrichs.
‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of Jessi Hinrichs (Pierce), her three children, and their family dog,’ read the entry on the GoFundMe page. ‘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 couple is seen with Hudson, Cayden and Avery during the 2021 Christmas season
‘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,’ the passage concluded. ‘We are raising funds to cover funeral expenses and to provide financial support for the family during this period of grief. Any contribution is appreciated.’
Known to many as a busy mother, Pierce’s most recent social media photos included a trip to the ice cream shop with Hudson, Cayden and Avery.
In addition to her work for NHL.com, Pierce also contributed to The Athletic, the Minnesota Hockey Journal and Massachusetts Hockey among other publications.
Michael Russo, a Wild beat writer for The Athletic, led an outpouring of grief online with a statement about Pierce, her children, and her husband.
‘There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are,’ Russo’s post began.
Pierce was a mother to three young kids in Hudson, Cayden and Avery (pictured on Friday)
Beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire on Saturday
‘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,’ he continued.
‘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.
‘More than anything, she absolutely loved Hudson, Cayden and Avery and was the greatest mother who did everything she could to bring joy to her sweetest kids. Even at Friday’s practice in her beloved Iowa State sweatshirt, she was so excited to take them to the seasonal opening of Cup and Cone in WBL. Seeing those precious pics yesterday, she provided them with another incredibly fun and loving day.
‘My heart breaks for Mike for the loss of his wife and children and Jessi’s family, friends and colleagues for this unimaginable loss. This hockey community lost a wonderful, energetic and one of a kind voice and story teller and Grade A person.
‘Please keep Jessi and her beautiful kids in your thoughts and prayers. I wish Mike all the peace and support and happiness in the world.’
Pierce is pictured with her children while adorned in Team USA hockey apparel
The 37-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.’
