Tragic House Fire Claims Life of NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce
NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a Minnesota house fire. The hockey community mourns their tragic loss.
Jessie Pierce, a 37-year-old NHL reporter, and her three children tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Minnesota on Saturday, as confirmed by the league on Sunday.
Pierce had been a correspondent for NHL.com covering the Minnesota Wild for the past ten years. Bill Price, vice president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com, expressed the team's sorrow, stating, "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."
The NHL also released a statement extending condolences, saying, "The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children. Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly."
Firefighters responded to the house fire early Saturday morning in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, after neighbors reported seeing flames through the roof. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of an adult, three children, and a dog inside the residence. The White Bear Lake Fire Department did not disclose the victims' names in its statement.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Fire Chief Greg Peterson expressed the community's grief, stating, "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 Minnesota Wild also paid tribute to Pierce on social media, highlighting her kindness and dedication. Their post read, "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."
Known as the "State of Hockey," Minnesota has a passionate fan base for the Wild, established in 2000 after the North Stars relocated to Dallas and became the Stars in the early 1990s.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.