Sports reporter Jessi Pierce, her three children, and the family dog were killed on Saturday (March 21) after a house fire in Minnesota.
Pierce, 37, had spent the last 10 years covering the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com, and the outlet later confirmed that one of its longtime correspondents had died.
Bill Price, vice-president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com, said in a statement: “The entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children. 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.”
Emergency crews responded to a call about a blaze at a home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, early Saturday morning, after residents reported seeing flames coming from the roof of a property on Richard Avenue.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department said an adult, three children, and a dog were found dead. Officials did not publicly identify the victims.
“On March 21, 2026, at 5:26 a.m., the White Bear Lake Fire Department was called to a residential structure fire at a single-family home located at the 2100 block of Richard
Avenue in White Bear Lake,” the department said in a statement.
“Neighbors that made the 911 call reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house and stated there were likely people inside of the house.
“Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts. Crews were then able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside of the house. Unfortunately, all were deceased.”
White Bear Lake fire chief Greg Peterson ended his remarks by emphasizing the impact on the community: “Out hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy. We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”
Following the announcement, messages of remembrance and condolences were shared widely, including from the Minnesota Wild, the team Pierce regularly covered.
“Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her. She served as an ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL,” they said in a statement posted to social media.
Michael Russo of The Athletic also wrote on X that Pierce adored her three children ‘more than anything’.
He added: “The press box and press room won’t be the same without her. It’ll be a lot quieter, a lot less funny. But her passion and joy for covering this hockey team and sport will remain.”