Reporter and Three Children Killed in House Fire

Tragedy has rocked the hockey world and a Minnesota community after a beloved NHL reporter and her young children were killed in a devastating house fire early Saturday morning.

Jessi Pierce, 37, a longtime NHL.com correspondent known for covering the Minnesota Wild, died alongside her three children—Hudson, Cayden, and Avery—when flames tore through their home before sunrise.

The NHL sends condolences to the Pierce family. pic.twitter.com/SplpV6O5F7

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) March 22, 2026

According to officials, emergency crews rushed to the scene at approximately 5:26 a.m. after frantic neighbors called 911, reporting flames “coming through the roof.”

By the time firefighters arrived, the situation had already turned catastrophic.

“Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts,” the department said in a statement. “Crews were then able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside of the house. Unfortunately, all were deceased.”

The heartbreaking loss comes just one day after Pierce shared photos of her family on social media—images that now serve as a haunting final glimpse into their lives.

Pierce had spent the past decade building a respected career covering the NHL, earning admiration across the league for both her professionalism and passion for the game.

Bill Price, vice president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com, said the news has left colleagues reeling.

“Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work,” Price said. “She was an absolute joy to talk to and work with. She will be deeply missed.”

The Minnesota Wild also paid tribute, remembering Pierce as more than just a reporter.

“She was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her,” the team said in a statement.

Fellow journalist Michael Russo shared his grief publicly, offering support to Pierce’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, who survived the tragedy.

“My heart breaks for Mike for the loss of his wife and children and Jessi’s family, friends and colleagues for this unimaginable loss,” Russo wrote.

As investigators work to determine what sparked the deadly blaze, an outpouring of support has already begun. A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist Hinrichs with funeral expenses has raised more than $60,000 in just days—reflecting the deep impact Pierce had on those who knew her and followed her work.

For now, a community is left mourning a sudden and unimaginable loss—one that has sent shockwaves far beyond Minnesota.