Michael “Mike” Hinrichs, husband to late NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, faced unimaginable loss when a fire claimed the lives of his wife and their three children in March 2026. The tragedy unfolded at their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.
Family and Background
Mike Hinrichs married Jessi Pierce in September 2016. The couple had three children: Hudson James (8), Cayden Louis (6), and Avery Jo (4). Jessi was a respected hockey journalist, known for her decade-long coverage of the Minnesota Wild and her podcast, Bardown Beauties.
While Mike maintained a low public profile, it is known that he was away on a work trip when the fire occurred. The family’s residence was engulfed in flames on March 21, 2026, with neighbours alerting emergency services.
The Fire and Aftermath
- The White Bear Lake Fire Department and Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the incident, ruling out arson but leaving the exact cause undetermined.
- Despite firefighters’ efforts, Jessi Pierce, their three children, and the family dog perished in the blaze.
- Mike Hinrichs issued a statement requesting privacy as he grieved the devastating loss.
Community Support
The Minnesota Wild organisation mourned Jessi’s passing, highlighting her dedication to family and the hockey community. General Manager Bill Guerin expressed deep sorrow and noted the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues.
In response, a GoFundMe campaign was established to assist Mike Hinrichs during this difficult time, quickly raising nearly $250,000 from thousands of donors.
Remembering Jessi and Her Family
Jessi Pierce was born in Maplewood, Minnesota, and built her career in sports journalism, focusing on hockey. Her work with USA Hockey and NHL.com made her a familiar voice in the sport. The loss of Jessi and her children has been deeply felt across the hockey world and beyond.
