Overview
- Investigators said Monday their preliminary review found no evidence the White Bear Lake house fire was set intentionally as the Minnesota State Fire Marshal leads the cause analysis.
- Neighbors called 911 about 5:26 a.m. Saturday after seeing flames through the roof, and firefighters arrived to a fully involved home where one adult, three children, and a dog were found dead after suppression.
- Officials identified the victims as hockey reporter Jessi Hinrichs, known professionally as Jessi Pierce, 38, and her children Hudson, 8, Cayden, 7, and Avery, 4, in a White Bear Lake Fire Department update.
- Pierce’s husband, Mike Hinrichs, was out of town on a work trip and has asked for privacy, and a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs and support him has drawn more than $200,000, including $10,000 gifts from the Wild and Blue Jackets.
- Tributes continue across the NHL, including an open press-box seat and a moment of silence at a Lightning game, and a public visitation is scheduled Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. in White Bear Lake.