Jesse Pierce, a well-known hockey reporter from Minnesota, tragically lost her life along with her three children in a house fire on Saturday, as confirmed by the NHL. She was just 37.
Local fire officials reported that one adult and three children died at a residence in White Bear Lake. However, details regarding the victims’ identities have not yet been disclosed.
The NHL expressed deep sorrow in a statement: “The entire National Hockey League family extends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jesse Pierce and her three young children. Jesse loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for 10 years. We will miss her greatly.”
The White Bear Lake Fire Department received a call around 5:30 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters arrived to find the building fully engulfed in flames, as neighbors had reported the fire.
A pet dog was also discovered deceased at the scene.
Just a day earlier, Pierce shared a photograph of a family outing at a local ice cream shop, Cup and Cone, with her children on social media.
Pierce had been covering the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for a decade and also worked closely with the team, in addition to contributing to The Athletic. She co-hosted the podcast Bardown Beauties and wrote for various other hockey publications.
The Minnesota Wild organization expressed its sadness over the loss, stating: “The Wild organization in Minnesota is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jesse Pierce and her children. Jesse was a kind and compassionate person who cared deeply about her family and those around her. She was a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL. She and her children will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved them.”
Michael Russo, a colleague who covers the Wild for The Athletic, paid tribute to Pierce online.
In heartfelt remarks, a friend described her as vibrant and full of life, always enthusiastic in her work. “Jesse simply loved covering the Wild and hockey all over Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone’s day with her bubbly and cheerful personality,” the statement said. It also highlighted her devotion to her children, noting how she was the best mother, always striving to bring joy to their lives.
This tragic loss resonates deeply within the hockey community, leaving many to grapple with the unfairness of such an event.
