The tragic death of beloved NHL reporter and podcast host Jessi Pierce in a devastating house fire has left the Minnesota hockey community and beyond in mourning. On the morning of March 21, 2026, firefighters responded to a raging blaze at the family’s home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. By the time crews arrived, the single-family structure was fully engulfed in flames. Inside, they discovered the bodies of 37-year-old Jessi Pierce (also known as Jessica Hinrichs), her three young children — Hudson, 8, Cayden, 6, and Avery, 4 — and the family dog. The loss of an entire family in such a sudden and horrific manner has sent shockwaves through the close-knit world of hockey journalism and fans who followed Pierce’s passionate coverage of the Minnesota Wild and the NHL.

Pierce was a familiar and respected voice in hockey circles. For a decade, she contributed to NHL.com as a correspondent, while also writing for outlets like The Athletic, USA Hockey, Minnesota Hockey Journal, and Massachusetts Hockey. Beyond her reporting, she co-hosted the popular “Bardown Beauties” podcast alongside Kirsten Krull, a rinkside reporter for the Wild. Their show blended insightful hockey analysis with personal warmth, drawing listeners who appreciated Pierce’s knowledge, humor, and ability to make everyone feel seen. Colleagues described her as a bright light who brought energy to every room and treated her work with unmatched dedication.

Her podcast co-host and close friend Kirsten Krull has now opened up about their final communications, revealing a heartbreakingly ordinary exchange that has taken on profound significance in the wake of the tragedy. The last known texts between the two women occurred on Thursday, March 19 — less than 48 hours before the fire — during a Minnesota Wild home game. As Krull worked the game, the friends exchanged light messages. Pierce complimented Krull on her hair, a casual, affectionate note typical of their sister-like bond. Krull later reflected on how innocuous the comment felt at the time, saying it now seems almost trivial or “dumb” given the unimaginable events that followed. What was meant as a simple moment of friendship has become a poignant reminder of how quickly life can change, turning an everyday compliment into one of the final connections Krull would ever share with her “big sister.”

Krull has spoken candidly about the surreal pain of processing the loss. She learned of the tragedy on Sunday morning while preparing for another Wild game. A message on Instagram prompted her to check Pierce’s social media profile, which had gone silent. A quick Google search brought up articles featuring images of the charred home, delivering the devastating confirmation. “I just kind of lost my breath,” Krull recalled. The days since have felt like a nightmare. She described losing not only a cherished colleague and friend but also three innocent children she had grown close to, along with the family dog that Pierce often spoke of as fiercely protective of the kids — treating them as her own “babies.”

The children were central to Pierce’s world. Friends and family remember her as a devoted mother who made every moment special and ensured her kids felt deeply loved. Hudson was incredibly smart and academically advanced for his age. Cayden had a great sense of humor and bonded with Krull over being middle children. Little Avery was assertive and sweet, with a personality that mirrored her mother’s strength and had her father wrapped around her finger. Pierce balanced her demanding career with motherhood seamlessly, often sharing glimpses of family life, including a final social media post on Friday showing the children enjoying ice cream at a local shop in White Bear Lake — a joyful outing captured just hours before the fire.

Pierce’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was out of town on business when the fire broke out. He has been left to grapple with the unimaginable grief of losing his wife and all three children. The hockey community has rallied around him, with a GoFundMe campaign established to help cover funeral costs and other immediate needs quickly raising nearly $220,000. Krull has praised Mike as an “amazing husband and father,” noting how the couple shared parenting duties equally and supported each other fully. The outpouring of support from players, coaches, media members, and fans has highlighted the deep respect Pierce earned across the NHL. The league itself issued a statement acknowledging her decade-long contributions and the void her absence leaves.

As the investigation continues, authorities from the White Bear Lake Fire Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office have provided initial updates. Preliminary findings have ruled out arson, with no evidence suggesting the fire was set intentionally. The exact cause remains under active investigation, and officials have emphasized their commitment to supporting the affected family and community while dedicating resources to determine what happened. The rapid spread of the blaze, which left the home fully involved upon arrival, has added to the sorrow, as questions linger about how such a tragedy could unfold so quickly in a suburban neighborhood.

Krull’s reflections have offered a window into the personal toll. The two women had built their friendship nearly four years earlier through hockey circles, evolving into a bond where Krull could call Pierce anytime for advice, a rant, or simply to hang out — and Pierce would always answer. “Family isn’t always blood, but the people you choose,” Krull wrote in a tribute, emphasizing how Pierce felt like a big sister. She has struggled with routine reminders of their collaboration, such as the recurring Monday notification on her phone prompting her to record the podcast. On the first Monday after the tragedy, the alert buzzed as usual, but the seat across from her was empty. Krull has chosen to keep those reminders active for now, viewing them as a way to honor the special time they shared weekly.

The broader hockey world has echoed this grief. Tributes have poured in from colleagues at SKOR North, the Minnesota Wild organization, and across the NHL. Pierce was remembered for her work ethic, her warmth, and her ability to connect with people. She made everyone feel like a best friend and brought genuine joy to her coverage of the game she loved. Fans have left flowers and stuffed animals outside the family’s home, creating a makeshift memorial in a neighborhood still coming to terms with the loss.

In the days following the fire, small details have taken on heavier meaning. The last ice cream outing with the children, the casual text about hair during a hockey game, and the protective family dog — all ordinary moments that now feel like final snapshots of a life filled with love and passion. Krull has spoken about how Pierce’s children were never an afterthought; they were at the heart of everything she did. The tragedy has prompted many in the community to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing everyday connections.

As the investigation proceeds without suspicion of foul play, the focus remains on supporting those left behind. The hockey community continues to grieve collectively, with many noting how Pierce’s light touched so many lives. Krull’s decision to keep the podcast recording reminders serves as a quiet act of remembrance, keeping her friend’s presence alive in the small routines they once shared.

The death of Jessi Pierce and her three children stands as a heartbreaking reminder of life’s unpredictability. A talented journalist, a devoted mother, and a warm presence in the hockey world is gone far too soon, along with the bright futures of Hudson, Cayden, and Avery. Their story has united fans, colleagues, and strangers in sorrow and support for the surviving husband and father. While the cause of the fire may eventually bring some answers, the profound loss will linger in the hearts of those who knew and admired Jessi Pierce. In remembering her, many are choosing to celebrate the love, laughter, and dedication she brought to her family and her work — qualities that made her unforgettable.