A White Bear Lake family tragedy has sparked an overwhelming community response, with a fundraising campaign surpassing $65,000 to support the surviving husband and father after a devastating house fire claimed four lives on Saturday morning.
Jessi Hinrichs, known professionally as Jessi Pierce, died at age 37 alongside her three children and the family dog when fire engulfed their White Bear Lake residence in the early morning hours of March 22. The White Bear Lake Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 5:25 a.m. after neighbors reported flames breaking through the roof.
White Bear Lake Fire Department Fire Chief Greg Peterson confirmed that neighbors who placed the emergency call indicated people were likely inside the structure. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully involved structure fire and immediately initiated suppression efforts. Crews subsequently located an adult, three children, and a dog inside the residence. All were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The tragedy has reverberated beyond the local community. Pierce had worked as a reporter for NHL.com for a decade, covering professional hockey with what colleagues described as passion and dedication. The National Hockey League issued a statement expressing condolences to the Pierce family.
"The entire National Hockey League family sends our prayers and deepest condolences to the Pierce family on the passing of Jessi Pierce and her three young children," the league stated. "Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly."
A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Pierce's husband, Mike Hinrichs, describes the deceased mother as having "a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart." The fundraiser notes that she was devoted to her family and committed to creating joyful memories for her children.
"The children, each with their own unique personalities, shared Jessi's zest for life and love for adventure," the campaign description states. "They leave behind Mike, husband to Jessi and loving father of their children, who is now experiencing an unimaginably difficult time."
The fundraising effort aims to cover funeral expenses and provide financial support during the family's period of grief. Diana Johnson-Salvador organized the campaign, though her specific connection to the Pierce family has not been publicly disclosed.
The White Bear Lake Fire Department acknowledged the profound impact of the incident in a social media statement, describing it as "a very difficult and sad day for our community." The department expressed that their "hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy" and requested the community come together to provide mutual support during this challenging period.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. As the community processes this loss, the substantial fundraising response demonstrates the solidarity and compassion of neighbors, colleagues, and supporters rallying around a grieving family member facing unimaginable circumstances.