The hockey world was collectively trying to comprehend the tragic death of beloved NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, with tributes pouring in across social media Sunday.
Pierce was killed along with her three children in a house fire in White Bear Lake, Minn., on Saturday.
She had been a well-respected member of the hockey community in Minnesota, serving as the Minnesota Wild correspondent for NHL.com for 10 years and creating a deep connection across the hockey community.
“Truly lost for words. What a devastating tragedy,” NHL on TNT reporter Jackie Redmond wrote. “I am so so deeply saddened for Jessi and her children. Praying deeply for her family, friends and loved ones as they navigate an unimaginable loss.
“I hope wherever Jessi is, she’s seeing the outpouring of loving tributes coming out on this app today. A clear talent, and an undeniably wonderful human being.”
The Athletic’s Michael Russo described Pierce as the “most vibrant person” and he said she “always” had a smile on her face.
“Jessi simply loved covering the Wild and hockey throughout Minnesota and had a way of brightening everyone’s day with her upbeat, bubbly personality,” Russo wrote. “I have literally NEVER met anybody that had a way of being EVERYBODY’s friend.
“More than anything, she absolutely loved Hudson, Cayden and Avery and was the greatest mother who did everything she could to bring joy to her sweetest kids. Even at Friday’s practice in her beloved Iowa State sweatshirt, she was so excited to take them to the seasonal opening of Cup and Cone in WBL. Seeing those precious pics yesterday, she provided them with another incredibly fun and loving day.”
During the course of her journalism career, Pierce’s work was published by USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal, Massachusetts Hockey, The Athletic and the B1G Ice Hockey blog.
She also co-hosted a podcast with Kirsten Krull, called “Bardown Beauties.”
“Jessi was like another big sister to me,” Krull wrote on social media. “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.”
“There’s not enough pictures, videos, memories I can share in one post,” she also wrote. “There’s so much more I want to say that I can’t find the words for yet. I hope you know how loved you are and could see the outpouring of love for you and your family from the hockey community today. I hope you know how much I love you and how missed you will be. Thank you for everything.”
The White Bear Lake Fire Department was called around 5:30 a.m. on Saturday when neighbors dialed 911 and said they could see flames coming from the roof of the home, and that there were likely people inside, Fox 9 reported.
The house had been completely engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
Pierce, her three children and a dog were found deceased inside the home after crews contained the fire and entered the house.
A number of fire departments responded to the call, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.