Jessi Pierce, 37, who dedicated a decade to reporting on the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com, tragically perished alongside her three young children in a devastating house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Emergency services responded early Saturday morning to flames engulfing her home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully involved structure fire, as reported by The Minnesota Star Tribune.
Authorities discovered the bodies of Jessi and her children—Hudson, 8; Cayden, 6; and Avery, 4—along with their family dog. At the time of the incident, Pierce’s husband was reportedly away from home.
The cause of the devastating fire is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshals Office, with details yet to be released.
Pierce began her journey in sports journalism at just 18, aspiring to cover the NHL, particularly her beloved Minnesota Wild. Her career included 18 internships and various roles, including working with USA Hockey in Colorado Springs.
In 2016, she became an independent correspondent for NHL.com while balancing full-time marketing duties. Additionally, she co-hosted the Bardown Beauties podcast centered around the Wild and contributed to other notable publications.
A well-liked figure in Minnesota’s sports community, Pierce was frequently seen at Wild games.
The day before the tragic fire, she shared images on her X account capturing a joyful outing with her children at the opening of a local ice cream shop, showcasing their happy moments together.
The NHL extended their condolences, stating, “The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children. Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Bill Price, NHL.com’s vice president, remarked, “The entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children. Her passion for family and hockey shone through in her work, and she will be deeply missed.”
