Minnesota Hockey Reporter, 3 Children Identified as Fatal Fire Victims
BY MN CRIME STAFF
via Minnesota Wild
The four victims of a fatal house fire in White Bear Lake have been identified as Jessi Pierce, a well-known sports reporter who covered the Minnesota Wild, and her three children.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department responded to a report of a structure fire at a single-family home on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue just before 5:30 a.m. Saturday.
Neighbors who called 911 reported seeing flames coming through the roof and said there were likely people inside.
> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter
Crews arrived to find the home fully engulfed and immediately began fire suppression efforts. Firefighters found Pierce, her three children and the family's dog inside the home. All were deceased.
The Minnesota Wild identified Pierce on Sunday and released a statement:
"The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children. Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her. She served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL. Jessi and her children will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them."
The names and ages of Pierce's three children have not been released.
READ MORE > White Bear Lake coverage
Pierce co-hosted a podcast called The Bardown Beauties. NHL reporter Michael Russo of The Athletic called it an "unimaginable loss," adding that the press box "won't be the same without her."
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office is leading the investigation into the cause and origin of the fire.
PREVIOUSLY: House Fire Kills Adult, 3 Children in White Bear Lake
Responding agencies included fire departments from White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, Oakdale, North Saint Paul and Little Canada, along with Lakeview EMS and the White Bear Lake Police Department.
via Minnesota Wild
Crews arrived to find the home fully engulfed and immediately began fire suppression efforts. Firefighters found Pierce, her three children and the family's dog inside the home. All were deceased.