Jesse Pierce Last week, she and her three children — Hudson, 8, Kayden, 6, and Avery, 4 — died in a tragic house fire in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Officials released a statement Wednesday identifying the victim and providing an update on the investigation. While no official cause of death has been revealed, the Minnesota Wild reporter’s husband Mike Hinrichs The statement addressed the reaction to her death.
“It is with great sadness that we have identified the four victims of the devastating house fire that occurred in the 2100 block of Richard Avenue on March 21, 2026,” said Fire Chief Greg Peterson.
“Jessi Hinrichs (Pierce) (38), Hudson Hinrichs (8), Cayden Hinrichs (6) and Avery Hinrichs (4) will forever be loved and remembered by their husband and father, Mike Hinrichs, and the White Bear Lake and Mahtomedi communities.”
Mike Hinrichs reaction
Officials said in a statement that Mike has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
“We have been in close contact with Mike to support him, his family and his friends. He has asked us to share his request for privacy while he and his family and friends navigate this unimaginable time,” the fire chief noted.
What caused the White Bear Lake Fire?
Peterson added that officials do not believe the fire was set intentionally. “Official reasons and further information will be released once the investigation is complete,” he said.
NHL mourns death of Wild reporter
Meanwhile, the NHL is deeply saddened by the passing of Jesse Pierce and her three children.
After learning the news before Saturday’s game against the Dallas Stars, the Wild returned to the ice for practice on Monday, their hearts still heavy from the tragedy.
“We’re speechless. She’s a special person who brings a lot of light to this room,” Wild captain Jared Spurgeon said. “She was always smiling and joking. When I first heard about it, you really don’t believe that this could happen, and it’s still hard to really wrap your head around it. Obviously, everyone here, our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
Early Saturday morning, firefighters received a 911 call from a neighbor reporting flames shooting through the roof of a single-family home in White Bear Lake. White Bear Lake is a suburb about 10 miles northeast of downtown St. Paul where the Wilds play.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department said an adult, three children and a dog were all found dead inside the home.
Why isn’t Mike Hinrichs home?
Meanwhile, Mike was reportedly on a business trip when the fire broke out. A GoFundMe site designed to help with funeral expenses and provide financial support has raised more than $125,000.
“Jesse’s love of family and hockey was reflected in the energy and enthusiasm she brought to our work,” said Bill Price, vice president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com. “She was a joy to talk to and work with. She will be deeply missed.”
(With AP input)
