NHL Reporter, 3 Children, Family Dog Killed in House Fire
The hockey community is in mourning following the death of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce of The Athletic.
Her byline from the company reads: "Jessi Pierce, the Wild correspondent for NHL.com, is a contributor to The Athletic Minnesota. Her byline can also be found on youth hockey stories written for Minnesota Hockey, USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey Journal."
Jessi Pierce, 3 Children, Family Dog Killed in Fire
The White Bear Lake Fire Department revealed to a local Fox station that its crews responded to a reported fire at a single-family home in the 2100 block of Richard Avenue just before 5:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Neighbors called 911 after seeing flames coming through the roof of the house and told operators there were likely people inside the premises.
After arriving on scene, firefighters "found a fully involved structure fire" and tried to suppress it. They eventually found an adult, three children and a dog all deceased inside the home.
Prayers Pour in for Jessi Pierce and Her Family
While the White Bear Lake fire department didn't confirm the identity of the deceased, the hockey community and Minnesota media scene rushed to social media to show love and support for Pierce's family and loved ones, offering their prayers following their deaths.
"Just hearing the news about the loss of Jessi and her kids in a house fire. Absolutely gutted. Jessi was such a bright, shining light in this media market. Enthusiastic, smart, funny, warm and wholly original. Such a big fan of her work, but more so her as a person. Heartbreaking," Minnesota Vikings and Timberwolves reporter Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic said.
Just hearing the news about the loss of Jessi and her kids in a house fire. Absolutely gutted. Jessi was such a bright, shining light in this media market. Enthusiastic, smart, funny, warm and wholly original. Such a big fan of her work, but more so her as a person. Heartbreaking https://t.co/pdnP27qPmk
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) March 22, 2026
"If you had met Jessi Pierce, your life was better. She wasn’t just a great person, but excellent at her job of covering the Minnesota Wild, of which she was passionate. The journalism world lost a beacon of joy and her 3 kids. Hug your loved ones tight tonight," added fellow Minnesota reporter Tyler Forness.
If you had met Jessi Pierce, your life was better. She wasn’t just a great person, but excellent at her job of covering the Minnesota Wild, of which she was passionate. The journalism world lost a beacon of joy and her 3 kids. Hug your loved ones tight tonight
— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) March 22, 2026
"Such a terrible, terrible story. An unbelievable loss. Please pray for her, her children, and her family and loved ones who have to navigate this loss. My heart hurts. Hug your loved ones please," offered PWHL broadcaster Alexa Huss.
Such a terrible, terrible story. An unbelievable loss. Please pray for her, her children, and her family and loved ones who have to navigate this loss.
— Alexis Huss (@alexismirjana) March 22, 2026
My heart hurts. Hug your loved ones please. https://t.co/cm3E2cuOZD
White Bear Lake Fire Department Offers Statement on Fire
White Bear Lake Fire Chief Greg Peterson shared the following statement: "Our 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."
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Athletic has not publicly commented on Pierce's death.
Related: Chuck Norris Kids: His Youngest Daughter Just Celebrated Major Personal Milestone