The White Bear Lake community is mourning the tragic loss of local journalist Jessi Pierce and her three children, who perished in a house fire on March 21, 2026. The fire occurred in the early morning hours at their residence on the 2100 block of Richard Avenue. Neighbors reported seeing flames coming through the roof and alerted emergency services. Despite the swift response from the White Bear Lake Fire Department and neighboring agencies, the fire claimed the lives of Jessi, her children, and their family dog.
Jessi Pierce was a respected sports reporter known for her coverage of the Minnesota Wild and the NHL. She co-hosted the “Bardown Beauties” podcast and contributed to NHL.com for over a decade. The Minnesota Wild organization expressed their condolences, stating, “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.”
In response to the tragedy, the White Bear Lake United Methodist Church organized a grief concert to bring the community together. The event, held shortly after the incident, featured singer Jennifer Grimm and provided attendees with a space to process their grief and support one another. Organizers also distributed information on how to donate to the affected families.
The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings have not indicated any evidence that the fire was set intentionally. The community continues to rally around the surviving family members, offering support and assistance during this difficult time.