Credit: Jessi Pierce/X
Authorities Issue Update As NHL Reporter Jessi Pierce Found Dead Alongside Her 3 Children
Authorities in Minnesota have provided an update on the tragic deaths of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children.
Pierce, her three children, and their pet dog were all found dead at the family home in Minnesota on March 21. The 37-year-old had covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for the past decade.
Tributes poured in as the tragic news broke over the weekend. Bill Price, vice-president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com, said in a statement: “The entire NHL.com team is devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jessi and her children.
“Jessi’s love of 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 deeply missed.”
Pierce graduated from Iowa State University and covered the Minnesota Wild for the past 10 years. Her work was featured in numerous publications, including The Athletic, USA Hockey, and the Minnesota Hockey Journal.
Tributes paid to Jessi Pierce
In the wake of the tragic news breaking, multiple tributes poured in, honoring Jessi and her children: Hudson, Cayden, and Avery.
“The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children,” the Wild said in a statement. “Jessi was a kind, compassionate person who 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.”
We are heartbroken and join the State of Hockey in mourning the tragic loss of Jessi and her children. May they rest in peace 💔. pic.twitter.com/H8L8Wgu6l4
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) March 22, 2026
Michael Russo, who writes for The Athletic, sent his condolences to Pierce’s husband, Mike, as part of his wider tribute, which he shared on social media.
“Jessi Pierce (Hinrichs) was the most vibrant person — the life of the party, always with a smile on her face, always bringing a passion to every article and podcast and interview she did,” he wrote on X.
“Jessi simply loved covering the Wild and hockey throughout Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone’s day with her upbeat, bubbly personality. I have literally NEVER met anybody that had a way of being EVERYBODY’s friend.
“Life can be unbearably unfair sometimes, and it’s impossible to make sense of this tragedy,” Russo continued. “A lot of tears were shed at the arena yesterday. We, in the Wild media and inside the Wild, will miss seeing Jessi every day, laughing with her every day. The press box and press room won’t be the same without her.”
There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 22, 2026
Jessi Pierce (Hinrichs) was the most vibrant person – the life of the party, always with a smile on her face, always bringing a passion to every article and podcast and interview she did. Jessi simply loved covering the…
Concert to take place in honor of Jessi Pierce and her children
Following the tragic news, it was announced that a concert aimed at helping people deal with the grief and sadness of the loss of Jessi and her children will take place Monday night (March 23) in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
The concert, featuring singer and producer Jennifer Grimm, is being held ‘to create space for grief, reflection, and healing through music,’ an event page says, noting it’s ‘not a traditional performance, but an evening of musical remembrance,’ offering audiences the opportunity to sit with loss in a supported and communal space, while honoring their own individual experiences.
“This evening is about allowing people to feel what they’re carrying,” says Grimm. “There’s no expectation, no performance required from the audience, just space, music, and the quiet understanding that no one is alone in their grief.”
Authorities provide updates regarding the deaths of the Pierce family
Local firefighters responded to reports of a residential structure fire at a single-family home at roughly 5.25 am local time on Saturday, March 21, according to the White Bear Lake Fire Department.
Neighbors had reported seeing flames emanating from the roof of the house, located on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue.
Firefighters engaged in fire suppression efforts when tackling the blaze and were able to locate an adult, three children, and a dog.
Tragically, when firefighters reached the family and their pet dog, all of them were already deceased.
“Our hearts ache for all those involved in this tragedy,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson wrote in a news release. “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”
The cause of the fire has not yet been found as an investigation into it continues, though arson has been ruled out as a cause per the Hindustan Times.
As well as covering the Minnesota Wild, Pierce covered the Minnesota Frost and served as a co-host of the Bardown Beauties podcast.
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