Donations surge in for Jessi Pierce's husband after tragic fire

Mike Hinrichs confirmed their tragic deaths on social media Sunday, writing: "Jess was beautiful, vibrant, full of life – she lit up every room she walked into and made everyone feel welcome.

"She left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. Above all she was a devoted and loving mother to her three amazing children: Hudson, Cayden, and Avery.

"While Jess was lucky to land her dream job writing about hockey, podcasting, and more, she spent every second beyond that creating adventures with her family. Avery loved fashion and dance. Cayden, a comedian-in-training loved wrestling for sport and for play. Hudson was full of curiosity and loved basketball and sports.

"Our hearts are heavy as we grieve this unimaginable tragedy. We hold onto the memories, the laugher, and the love they gave so freely."

Pierce was a fixture in the Twin Cities sports media industry, working as a game day and feature reporter covering the Wild for NHL.com, making regular appearances on sports talk stations Skor North and KFAN, and co-hosting the Bardown Beauties hockey podcast with Kirsten Krull, a collaboration with Skor North.

There was an outpouring of grief from the North American hockey community as the news broke, including from her podcast co-host Krull, who likened Pierce to "a big sister."

"Family isn’t always blood, but the people you choose and that couldn’t have been more true. Jessi was like another big sister to me," she said. "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."

Prominent Minnesota Wild reporter Michael Russo paid tribute to Pierce in The Athletic, writing: "Her personality was infectious, her confidence inspiring. So even if you didn’t know her, you felt like you did. Even if you weren’t friends with her, you felt like you were."

As of Monday morning, authorities in White Bear Lake have not released any details regarding the suspected cause of the fire.