Major new details have surfaced in a Minnesota house fire that killed NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three kids.
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According to the White Bear Lake fire department, they do not believe that arson caused the fire. Instead, it appears to have been an accidental fire.
"We are in the very early stages of the investigation. And our preliminary findings have not led to the any evidence that the fire was set intentionally,"
the department said in a release Monday. "Our priorities are, first and foremost, being present for those directly affected by this tragedy. Conducting a thorough investigation, and ensuring our first responders involved in this incident heal alongside the community."Firefighters responded to a call about the blaze on Saturday. They discovered the NHL reporter and her three kids, as well as the family dog, deceased. "Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts," an initial press release from Sunday stated.
NHL Reporter and Kids Die
Following her passing, several people shared tributes for the NHL reporter and her family.
"The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children," the Wild said in a release. "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."
Meanwhile, the Athletic's Michael Russo also mourned the loss of Pierce as well. He described her as a vibrant and also a passionate person.
"There are no words to express how heartbroken we all are," he also posted to X. "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 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."
