The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating after an NHL journalist and her three young children died in a house fire Saturday morning in White Bear Lake.
Officials say the White Bear Lake Fire Department was called to a home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue around 5:30 a.m.
Neighbors called 911, saying they could see flames coming through the roof of the house and there were likely three people inside. When crews arrived, they found the house completely in flames. Crews worked to put the fire out and were able to enter the home.
Jessi Pierce, who writes for NHL.com and cohosts the Bardown Beauties hockey podcast, was inside the home with her three young children when it went up in flames. Officials say they all died in the fire. A dog was also found deceased inside the home.
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“Jessi was beautiful, vibrant, and full of life – she lit up every room she walked into and made everyone feel welcome,” Mike Hinrichs, Pierce’s husband, said. “She left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her.”
Pierce’s cohost on Bardown Beauties, Kirsten Krull, said Pierce was like “another big sister” to her.
“Family isn’t always blood, but the people you choose and that couldn’t have been more true,” Krull said. “She had a confidence and a way of being able to talk to anyone that I envied. She had an unmatched work ethic and a huge heart. Any time I needed help, needed to rant or needed someone, she was there without hesitation.”
The Minnesota Wild called Pierce’s death “tragic” and sent its condolences to her loved ones.
“Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her. Sher served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL,” the statement read.
Pierce’s neighbors said they were shocked to hear about the deadly fire.
“The family that lives there, nice people, super nice. It’s not something you want to wake up and hear about,” Tony Wright said.
A statement from the White Bear Lake Fire Department said in part, “Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy.”
Several agencies responded to the scene, including the White Bear Lake Fire Department, Vadnais Heights Fire Department, Mahtomedi Fire Department, Maplewood Fire Department and several other nearby agencies.
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