Longtime Minnesota hockey reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children were found dead following a house fire early Saturday in White Bear Lake, friends and colleagues said Sunday.

Pierce’s hockey coverage included co-hosting the “Bardown Beauties” podcast, and writing about the Minnesota Wild as the correspondent for NHL.com for the past decade.

“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 NHL said in a statement. "Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.”

“Jessi’s love of her family and hockey was evident in the energy and passion she brought to her work for us. She was an absolute joy to talk to and work with. She will be deeply missed,” Bill Price, vice president and editor-in-chief of NHL.com, said in a statement.

Kirsten Krull, Pierce’s podcast co-host posted on social media that Pierce — who also went by Jessi Hinrichs — “was like another big sister to me. 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.”

Friends and colleagues on social media identified Pierce’s children as Hudson, Cayden and Avery. Authorities have not officially announced the names of the people who died in the fire.

Pierce is survived by her husband.

According to the White Bear Lake Fire Department, fire crews were called to the home on Richard Avenue just before 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

“Neighbors that made the 911 call reported seeing fire coming through the roof of the house and stated there were likely people inside of the house,” the fire department reported. “Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved structure fire and immediately began fire suppression efforts. Crews were then able to locate an adult, three children and a dog inside of the house. Unfortunately, all were deceased.”

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

“Our hearts ache for those involved in this tragedy. We ask for the opportunity to allow our community to come together and support one another during this difficult time,” the fire department said in a news release.

Collected from Minnesota Public Radio News. View original source here.