Heartbreaking new details have been released in the case of Jessi Pierce. In case you weren't aware, she and her three children tragically passed away in a house fire back in March.
Per the New York Post, the fire department has now concluded their investigation. They wrote that the fire began because of "the overheating of electrical equipment" in an office room.
They explained that the home had fire detectors - but how many, or their location, is unknown. That's because of the nature of the fire itself. Either fire damage or the roof's inevitable collapse meant some things will be left unknown.
The fire alarm near the bedroom would have been activated four minutes after the fire began. However, after five minutes, "the primary escape path would have been almost impossible to navigate," the release explained.
That means there was just a one minute window for the NHL reporter and her kids to escape.
The report concluded with Greg Peterson, the fire chief of White Bear Lake. He wrote, "This was an absolute tragedy, and six months later, our thoughts remain with the family's loved ones, their friends, their neigbors and the broader community."
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The Husband of the NHL Reporter Spoke Out After the Fire
Per the outlet, her husband, Mike Hinrichs, was out of town for work when the tragedy happened. He made his first public comments about the situation on Thursday, September 24.
Per Dakota News Now, he wrote, "On the morning of March 21, my world came crashing down when the lives of my beloved wife Jessi, and our three beautiful children, sons Hudson and Cayden, and daughter Avery, were all lost to me forever in the horrible fire that destroyed our home."
This truly unfathomable loss and all-consuming grief is with me every day and will be forever with every breath God allows me to take." He also thanked first responders for their actions, as well as family members for supporting him in "this darkest of times".
"Family always came first for Jessi, but all things hockey ran a close second," he continued. "She loved the Wild and the game of hockey with boundless enthusiasm and communicated her joy and passion for the sport to all those who could hear her voice."
"Recently, it was announced that the Jessi Pierce Community Cup Hockey Tournament will be played in December honoring her memory. A truly amazing way to honor her. Thank you sincerely for making that a part of her legacy."
He finished his statement, "Finally, thank you for remembering the best of my family and for your continued prayers and support."
