Coping with Tragedy: NHL Reporter's Podcast Co-Host Shares Heartfelt Grief
Guillermo del ToroOscar-winning filmmaker and author whose work and commentary explore fantasy, horror, and cinema.
Kirsten Krull, co-host of the "Bardown Beauties" podcast, openly conveyed her profound sorrow following the tragic passing of her friend and professional colleague, NHL reporter Jessi Pierce. Jessi, along with her three young children and their dog, perished in a devastating house fire. Krull's poignant reflection underscores the sudden void left by Pierce's absence, particularly on what would have been their regular recording day. Her words capture the struggle of confronting daily routines when life's most unexpected tragedies strike, yet she resolves to honor their shared memories by preserving their podcast notifications, a touching testament to their bond.
Kirsten Krull articulated her profound sorrow on social media, describing the acute pain of missing their regular podcast recording sessions. Every Monday was reserved for her and Jessi to collaborate on their "Bardown Beauties" podcast, a cherished ritual centered around their mutual passion for hockey. This specific Monday, however, brought only a stark reminder of her friend's absence. Krull candidly expressed the difficulty of resuming mundane tasks, such as sitting before her computer, knowing that the familiar collaboration would not occur. Her statement resonated deeply with many, echoing the sentiment that life's relentless pace can feel cruel when personal tragedy demands a pause the world refuses to grant.
The devastating incident unfolded on March 21, when White Bear Lake, Minnesota, emergency services responded to a house fire at 5:26 a.m., following multiple reports of flames erupting through the roof of Jessi Pierce's residence. Jessi, 37, shared the home with her husband, Mike, and their three young children, Hudson, Cayden, and Avery. Firefighters encountered a fully engulfed structure, and upon gaining entry, discovered that Jessi, her children, and the family dog had tragically succumbed to the blaze. Fire Chief Greg Peterson conveyed the department's profound sympathy for the victims, confirming an ongoing investigation into the fire's origins.
The National Hockey League also released a heartfelt statement, acknowledging Jessi Pierce's significant contributions to the sport. The league extended its deepest condolences to the Pierce family, emphasizing Jessi’s passion for hockey and her valuable ten-year tenure as a member of the NHL.com team. NHL.com editor-in-chief Bill Price further reiterated the team's heartbreak, highlighting Jessi’s dedication to both her family and her professional work, which she approached with remarkable energy and enthusiasm.
Despite the overwhelming grief, Krull pledged to navigate forward, drawing strength from the cherished moments she shared with Jessi. She articulated her intent to retain the podcast recording notifications as a enduring memorial, symbolizing the special connection they forged through their weekly collaborations. This commitment reflects a profound dedication to memory, even as the world continues its rotation. Her sentiment encapsulated a universal struggle: the attempt to reconcile personal loss with the ceaseless momentum of external reality.

