Minnesota investigators have released their first findings about the house fire that killed an NHL reporter Jesse Pierce and his three young children.
The deadly fire was not caused by arson, the White Bear Lake Fire Department said in a Monday, March 23, update.
“The most important thing for us, first of all, is the presence of those who were directly affected by this tragedy, we conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that those involved in this incident recover together with the public,” said the department's statement.
Pierce, who co-founded the Minnesota Wild, and his three children – sons Hudson,8, and Cayden6, and a daughter Avery4 – all killed when their single family home caught fire on Saturday, March 21. Pierce was 37 years old when he died. The family's dog died in the tragedy.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Pierce's husband, Mike Hinrichshe was out of town on business at the time of the incident.
Neighbor Julie Andrews he told Minnesota Star Tribune that he was “sleeping” when the fire broke out in the early morning.
“When the police woke us up, it was like a tornado of smoke,” he said.
Pierce, who was a fierce advocate for women's voices in hockey, was remembered with a poignant tribute by her podcast group “Bardown Beauties”, Kirsten KrullOn Monday.
“Family isn't always blood, but the people you choose are and it couldn't be truer,” Krull wrote on Instagram. “Jessi was like another big sister to me. She had confidence and a way of talking to anyone I felt sorry for. She had an unmatched good manners and a big heart. Whenever I needed help, needed to scream, or needed someone she was there without hesitation. Most importantly, she was the best mother and loved her children and her family so much.”
Hollywood mourns the death of its famous stars in 2026. The year began with the death of Broadway actor and promoter Bret Hanna-Shuford at the age of 46. At the end of the month, comedy star Catherine O'Hara died at the age of 71. Thank you! You have successfully registered. Sign up for newsletters Enter your email […]
Krull, who serves as the Wild's stadium manager, said Pierce “brought me into his world and introduced me to his family and friends and I'm so grateful that he did.”
“Hudson, Cayden and Avery were the best kids and I'm so grateful that you let me be a part of their lives,” she added. “Visiting on game days, being able to come to their house and stay with the family are memories that I cherish.”
A GoFundMe was set up to financially assist Hinrichs during an “unimaginably difficult time,” raising nearly $200,000 at press time.
