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The hockey world continues to grapple with the devastating loss of NHL reporter Jessi Pierce, as new details have emerged about the final moments she shared with her children before a fatal house fire claimed their lives. Pierce, 37, and her three children were found dead following a fire at their home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on Saturday. A family dog also perished in the blaze.
The heartbreak of a tragedy that has shaken both the local community in Minnesota and the National Hockey League family.
Just one day earlier, Pierce offered a glimpse into a joyful family outing, sharing photos on social media from a visit to the beloved Cup and Cone ice cream stand.
The local landmark had just marked its 53rd opening day, drawing large crowds, including Pierce and her children - identified by The Athletic's Michael Russo as Hudson, Cayden, and Avery.
Despite a long line stretching down the sidewalk, the children waited patiently before finally receiving their treats.
The photos captured a carefree moment: smiling faces, sprinkle-covered ice cream, and even a sub sandwich from a nearby stand.
In a caption that has since taken on a poignant meaning, Pierce wrote, "bag(s) secured," marking what would become her final post.
A lasting image of joy and devotion
The images painted a vivid picture of family life, with small, candid details that now resonate deeply.
One child wore mismatched socks, while another's leggings were marked with dirt, signs of a day filled with play and laughter. Another son could be seen enjoying a sandwich, with slices of cheese slipping out as he ate.
Those moments have since become a focal point for tributes pouring in from across the hockey community, with many reflecting on how Pierce balanced her professional passion with her role as a devoted mother.
The National Hockey League confirmed the deaths and released a statement honoring her legacy.
"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 said.
"Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly."
For the past 10 seasons, Pierce covered the Minnesota Wild for NHL.com, becoming a trusted voice within the sport.
Her career also included work with The Athletic and co-hosting the Bardown Beauties podcast.
A graduate of Iowa State, she contributed to outlets such as USA Hockey, the Minnesota Hockey Journal, and Massachusetts Hockey.
Tributes flood in from hockey colleagues
Russo confirmed that Pierce is survived by her husband, Mike, as tributes continue to flood social media from colleagues, friends, and fans.
Among them was Zach Halverson, a broadcast engineer for the Minnesota Wild, who reflected on the significance of her final day.
"From a [Minnesota Wild] practice in the morning to enjoying ice cream with her kids in the afternoon, if there is any solace in this tragedy, it's that Jessi's last day was spent doing the things she loved most-covering hockey and being a mom.
"The rink will never be the same without her smile, her humor, and her passion for the game. There was never a moment that wasn't made better by her presence," he wrote.
As the NHL community mourns, the final images shared by Pierce serve as both a heartbreaking reminder of loss and a lasting testament to how her life centered on family and fun.