Some stories hit differently. This is one of them. The hockey world is mourning after the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce, who died in a devastating house fire along with her children. It’s the kind of headline that stops you mid-scroll. No jokes, no sarcasm. Just silence for a second, because how do you even process something like that?
Jessi wasn’t just a reporter covering the NHL. She was a familiar voice, presence, someone fans recognized and respected. The type of person who showed up, did the work, and became part of the community without making it about herself.
And now, in the blink of an eye, she’s gone.
Left behind is her husband, who is now facing the kind of loss no one is ever prepared for. Losing a partner is already unimaginable, losing your children at the same time? There are no words that really cover that kind of pain.
In response, a GoFundMe has been set up to support him during this incredibly difficult time. And this is where you see the internet at its best.
‘Family isn’t always blood, but the people you choose and that couldn’t have been more true,’ Pierce’s podcast co-host, Kirsten Krull wrote on X. ‘Jessi was like another big sister to me. She had a confidence and a way of being able to talk to anyone that I envied. She had an unmatched work ethic and a huge heart.
‘Any time I needed help, needed to rant, or needed someone she was there without hesitation. Most importantly, she was the best mom and loved her kids and family fiercely.’
An investigation into the fire is ongoing, White Bear Lake police chief Greg Peterson told the Daily Mail in an email. Additional information will be provided when the department deems it appropriate.
On Sunday, the 37-year-old was remembered by NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price as an ‘absolute joy to work with.’
As of Sunday evening, a GoFundMe page had raised nearly $22,000 of the $50,000 donation goal for Jessi’s surviving husband, Mike Hinrichs.
‘It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of Jessi Hinrichs (Pierce), her three children, and their family dog,’ read the entry on the GoFundMe page. ‘Jessi had a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart. She was devoted to her family, going above and beyond to create many moments of joy and everlasting memories.
This isn’t a story about headlines or trends. It’s about loss, community, and the small ways people try to help when something unimaginable happens.
So if anything comes from this, let it be a reminder: life is fragile, time is short and showing up for people; especially when it’s hard, means everything.
