The Minnesota fire that killed NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children is not being labeled an arson case, according to the White Bear Lake fire department.
Pierce, 37, and her three children, Cayden, Hudson and Avery, died in a house fire Saturday in White Bear Lake, Minn., and the cause of the fire is still being determined.
“We are in the very early stages of the investigation, and our preliminary findings have not led to the any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,” the department said in a release Monday. “Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy, conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring our first responders involved in this incident heal alongside the community.”
The fire department said it received a call at 5:26 a.m. Saturday morning from neighbors regarding a fire at a single-family home located on Richard Avenue.
The neighbors noticed fires coming from the roof and told the police they believed people were inside.
“Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts,” an initial press release from Sunday stated.
The fire department said it found four people — one adult and three children — and one dog inside the residence, and all were dead.
Pierce’s children were 4, 6 and 8 years old, according to The Minneapolis Star Tribune.
“Alongside the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office, we are dedicating all possible resources to this investigation,” Monday’s press release stated.
Pierce covered the Wild for NHL.com for the last 10 seasons, and covered the NHL for multiple outlets across the years.
One day before the fatal fire, she shared a photo on X of an ice cream run with her children.
She is reportedly survived by her husband, Mike.
“The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,” the Wild said in a release. “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. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them.”
The Athletic’s Michael Russo, who also covers the Wild, wrote a glowing message in honor of Pierce on Sunday.
“There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are,” he posted to X. “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. 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.”
