Fire department officials in Minnesota have ruled out arson as the cause of the fatal house fire that claimed the lives of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children this past weekend.
In a preliminary report released on Monday night, White Bear Lake, Minn., fire department said that while the cause of the fire is still yet to be determined, it is not being investigated as an arson case.
Pierce, 37, and her three children — Cayden, Hudson and Avery — died in a house fire early Saturday.
“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, per the New York Post. “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.”
The family is survived by Pierce’s husband and the kids’ dad, Mike Hinrichs, who reportedly was away for work at the time of the fire, according to the Daily Mail. The family’s dog also reportedly died in the blaze.
Neighbours saw roof on fire
Firefighters responded to a residential structure fire in White Bear Lake after a fire tore through their home early Saturday.
Neighbours called 911 at roughly 5:26 a.m. after seeing the home’s roof on fire and said that people likely were inside, White Bear Lake Fire Department said in a news release on Sunday.
“Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structural fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts,” the statement said.
“Our hearts ache for all those involved in this tragedy,” Fire Chief Greg Peterson said. “We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”
Pierce’s last social media post
Pierce had shared photos from a fun family outing the day before the tragedy.
Pierce, 37, posted photos on X of her three children — Hudson, Cayden and Avery — lining up for ice cream, then enjoying the treats.
“Bag(s) secured,” Pierce captioned Friday’s post, which also included a photo of one of her sons eating a sandwich.
Pierce, her two sons and daughter, and their dog died in an overnight house fire in Minnesota hours later.
GoFundMe launched for Jessi’s husband
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched for her husband Hinrichs to “cover funeral expenses and provide financial support” as he deals with the grief of losing his family.
“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,” the donation page read.
“The children, each with their own unique personalities, shared Jessi’s zest for life and love for adventure. They leave behind Mike, husband to Jessi and loving father of their children, who is now experiencing an unimaginably difficult time.”
Wild GM Bill Guerin comments on Pierce’s death
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin said on Monday that the team is “devastated” by the loss of Pierce.
“Words just can’t express how devastated we all are,” Guerin said. “But, as I mentioned to some of you the other night, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the media, if you’re a player, if you’re in management, a coach, we are all in the sports world and the hockey world, and we’re all in this together.”
Guerin said that Pierce was a “pleasure to deal with” on the job, as she covered the Wild for 10 seasons with NHL.com.
“Jessi was always happy, always in a good mood, always a pleasure to deal with for me and we’ll miss her,” he said. “The great thing about our community is it doesn’t matter what part of it you’re in — media, player, coach, manager — we’re all in this together and we support each other.
“I just want you guys to know that we’re here for you and anything that we can possibly do for you guys to help through the tough times, we’re here for you.”
Wild forward Marcus Foligno also told reporters that the whole team will “miss her around the rink for sure.”
— With Denette Wilford files