Beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire in Minnesota on Saturday, the league has confirmed.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department confirmed to Fox 9 that one adult and three children were tragically killed in the fire, though they did not confirm their identities.
However, the NHL then announced the heartbreaking passing of Pierce, 37, and her three children – Hudson, Cayden and Avery – in a statement on Sunday.
‘The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children,’ the league said.
‘Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.’
The fire department responded to a 911 call just before 5:30am Saturday from Pierce’s neighbors, who saw flames coming through the roof and said there were likely people inside.
Beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire on Saturday
Pierce was a mother to three young kids in Hudson, Cayden and Avery (pictured)
It is believed they found a ‘fully involved structure fire’ upon arrival. A deceased dog was also discovered at the scene.
Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com for the last decade and spent time working for the team, while she also previously wrote for The Athletic.
‘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 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.’
