NHL reporter Jessie Pierce and her three children died Saturday in a fire at her home in Minnesota.
The family dog also died in the fire, according to the White Bear Lake (Minnesota) Fire Department.
Firefighters from multiple locations responded “to a residential structure fire at a single-family home located in the 2100 block of Richard Street in White Bear Lake,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson said in a news release. Neighbors who called 911 at 5:26 a.m. Saturday “reported seeing fire creeping through the roof of the home and stated that there were possibly people inside the home,” she said. Upon arrival, crews found a full fire in the building and immediately began fire suppression efforts. Crews were then able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside the home. Unfortunately, they all died.”
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the source of the fire.
“Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy,” White Bear Lake FD said. “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support each other during this difficult time.”
Pierce, 37, worked in the NHL, covering the Minnesota Wild as a reporter for NHL.com for 10 years.
“The entire NHL family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessie Pierce and her three young children,” the league said in a statement. “Jessie loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. She will be greatly missed.”
Bill Price, vice president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com, told ESPN in a statement: “The entire NHL.com team is heartbroken and saddened by the loss of Jessie and her children. Jessie’s love for her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us. She was an absolute joy to talk to and work with. She will be greatly missed.”
Pierce and her husband, Mike, have three children together: Hudson, Kayden, and Avery. According to messages posted by one of his relatives on social media, he was out of town working at the time of the fire.
Pierce was also co-host of Jamal Bardon Podcast.
