Minnesota authorities are confirming additional information about Jessi Pierce and her three young children, all of whom were killed along with the NHL reporter in a house fire last week, as well as giving an update on Pierce’s husband.
White Bear Lake Fire Department, which is investigating the cause of the March 21 blaze at the single-family home, confirmed in a press release Wednesday that Pierce, 38, died along with her sons Hudson, 8, and Cayden, 6, as well as daughter Avery, 4. Their dog was also killed.
Officials said the family “will forever be loved and remembered by their husband and father, Mike Hinrichs.”
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NHL reporter Jessi Pierce. (x / jessi_pierce)
They also spoke on behalf of Hinrichs, with whom they’ve “been in close contact … to support” along with his family and friends.
Hinrichs has, per the department, “asked us to share his request for privacy while he grieves and the rest of his family and friends navigate this unimaginable time.”
A day prior to the fire, Pierce shared multiple sweet photos of her young family on X, formerly Twitter.
The home was fully engulfed by the time White Bear Lake Fire responded — along with six other fire departments — to a residential structure fire at 5:26 a.m. local time on Saturday, after neighbors “reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house and stated there were likely people inside.”
They immediately tried to put out the fire, after which they located the family.
“Unfortunately, all were deceased,” said the department at the time. “Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy. We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”
The department is working with the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the fire’s cause. Preliminary evidence does not suggest foul play, though additional details and the official cause will be released pending the investigation’s completion.