A touching farewell from hockey reporter Jesse Pearce surfaced following her tragic loss. She shared poignant images of her final outing with her three kids at their favorite ice cream shop, just a day before they perished in a devastating house fire.
Pierce, 37, along with her three children and a dog, was discovered dead on Saturday after a substantial fire consumed their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
On Friday, Pierce took her children—identified as Hudson, Kayden, and Avery, by fellow hockey writer Michael Russo—to Cup and Cone, a beloved local ice cream spot, for a special treat. That particular day marked the stand’s 53rd day in operation.
Despite a line that seemed to stretch endlessly, her kids were patient, ultimately rewarded with ice cream topped with colorful sprinkles and sub sandwiches from a nearby vendor.
Pierce’s final post brightened hearts with the caption, “Bag secured.” The accompanying photo captured her children beaming with joy over their treats. Notably, her daughter and son sported mismatched socks, while her daughter’s leggings bore evidence of a day well-spent outdoors.
One of her sons enjoyed a sub sandwich, a slice of cheese dangling precariously as he took a bite.
The National Hockey League officially confirmed the tragic news on Saturday. “The entire NHL family extends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family following the passing of Jessie Pierce and her children,” they expressed in a statement, remembering her as a cherished part of the NHL.com team for the past decade.
Pierce spent the last ten seasons covering the Minnesota Wild, contributing her voice to team communications while previously writing for The Athletic as well. She was also the co-host of the podcast “Bardown Beauties.”
A graduate of Iowa State University, she had also penned pieces for various publications including USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey Journal.
Michael Russo noted she is survived by her husband, Mike.
A wave of tributes poured in from friends, strangers, and colleagues, many reflecting on the final joyful snapshot of her family.
Russo described her as “the most vibrant person,” always filling the room with smiles and enthusiasm for her work in hockey and beyond. Zach Halverson, a Minnesota Wild Broadcast Engineer, added that Pierce’s final days were spent doing what she loved most: covering hockey and being a devoted mother. He expressed that Link—a reference potentially to the team or community—would never feel the same without her bright spirit.
