The White Bear Lake Fire Department has now formally confirmed ‘with profound sadness’ that NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three young children were lost in last week’s deadly blaze.
But the authorities are still unsure what caused the fire that killed Pierce, 38, and her children Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4. They do not believe the fire was intentional.
‘It is with profound sadness that we are able to confirm the identity of the four victims of the devastating house fire that occurred on March 21, 2026, at the 2100 block of Richard Avenue,’ a statement read.
‘Jessi Hinrichs (Pierce) (38), Hudson Hinrichs (8), Cayden Hinrichs (6) and Avery Hinrichs (4) will forever be loved and remembered by their husband and father, Mike Hinrichs, and the White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi communities.
‘We have been in close contact with Mike to support him, his family, and his friends. He has asked us to share his request for privacy while he grieves and the rest of his family and friends navigate this unimaginable time. The White Bear Lake Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office continue to dedicate all possible resources to investigating the cause of the fire.
‘Again, our preliminary findings have not led to any evidence that the fire was set intentionally. The official cause and further information will be released once the investigation is complete.’
Jessi Pierce, 38, and her kids Hudson, Cayden and Avery were declared dead after a house fire
The sports world is rallying around the husband of Pierce after he lost his wife and kids
Pierce, 38, and her children Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4, all perished in the fire as her husband Mike was away on business. Authorities do not suspect arson
Meanwhile, her husband, Mike Hinrichs, has asked for privacy as he continues to grieve. Hinrichs was away from the home on business at the time of the fire, according to authorities.
A GoFundMe has been setup to support him, with the money going towards ‘covering funeral expenses’ and ‘providing financial support… during this period of grief.’
At the time of writing, the page had attracted 2,300 donations totaling more than $212,000 of its $250,000 target.
Among those to make the biggest contributions are Pierce’s local NHL team, the Minnesota Wild ($10,000), the Columbus Blue Jackets ($10,000), the NHL Players’ Association ($5,000), staff at NHL.com ($2,235), and the Professional Hockey Writers Association ($1,000).
The GoFundMe included a tribute to Pierce, which read: ‘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 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.’
On Sunday, Pierce was remembered by NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price as an ‘absolute joy to work with.’
‘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.’
Pierce is pictured with her children while adorned in Team USA hockey apparel
Pierce was a mother to three young kids in Hudson, Cayden and Avery (pictured on Friday)
The 38-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.’
