Horrific tragedy strikes the Minnesota Wild.

A horrific tragedy has just struck very close to home for those in the hockey community.

In a shocking and heartbreaking announcement, the Minnesota Wild confirmed on Sunday that Wild reporter Jessi Pierce has lost her life in a house fire. The incident occurred in White Bear Lake on Saturday morning, and claimed the lives of not only Pierce but of her 3 children, Hudson, Cayden and Avery, and the family dog as well.

The Minnesota Wild have released the following statement:

The Minnesota Wild organization is heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jessi Pierce and her children. Jessi was a kind, compassionate person that cared deeply about her family and those around her. She served as a dedicated ambassador for the game of hockey during her time covering the Wild and the NHL.

Jessi and her children will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them.

The National Hockey League has also released a statement of its own:

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. Jessi loved our game and was a valued member of the NHL.com team for a decade. We will miss her terribly.

Pierce clearly had a positive impact on many around here as the messages of love, support and of course grief have come flooding in.

Minnesota Wild insider Michael Russo had a particularly touching message:

Wild in game host Kirsten Krull also shared an emotional message of her own:

I would ask that you please keep the Pierce family in your thoughts. My most sincere condolences go out to all those impacted by this terrible loss of life.