Beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire on Saturday, the league has confirmed.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department confirmed to Fox 9 that one adult and three children were killed in the fire in Minnesota, though they did not confirm their identities.
However, the NHL then announced the tragic passing of Pierce, 37, and her three children 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 reports of a fire before 5:30am Saturday after a 911 call from Pierce’s neighbors. It is believed they found a ‘fully involved structure fire’ upon arrival.
Beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children died in a house fire on Saturday
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.’
