Cristen Amanda Brink and Clinton David Brink
A married couple fatally attacked while hiking with their two daughters in northwest Arkansas’ Devil’s Den State Park are being remembered by family as “heroes protecting their little girls.”
Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, of Prairie Grove, were found dead Saturday afternoon on a remote trail in the park. Their daughters, ages 7 and 9, were not physically harmed. The Arkansas State Police are investigating the deaths as a double homicide.
In a statement released Sunday, family members said the Brinks died protecting their children. “They were heroes protecting their little girls,” the statement read. “We are devastated and ask for privacy as we grieve.”
Authorities received the first call around 2:40 p.m. from the park’s visitor center. Police believe the suspect fled in a black four-door sedan, possibly a Mazda, with the license plate obscured by tape. The vehicle may have exited the area via State Highway 170 or 220.
The suspect is described as a white male of medium build, last seen wearing a dark baseball cap, sunglasses, fingerless gloves, dark pants and a rolled-up long-sleeve shirt. He was carrying a black backpack.
Authorities have not disclosed how the Brinks were killed, but according to police audio shared by the New York Post, a possible stabbing at the state park was reported around that time.
NBC News reported that the couple lived in inland California and eastern Montana. Public records place them in Miles City, Montana.
Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said all available resources are being used in the search. Officials are asking park visitors and nearby residents to review any trail cameras, GoPros, dashcams or home surveillance footage taken on July 26. Authorities requested the public avoid sharing potential evidence online to protect the integrity of the investigation.
According to Arkansas State Parks, all trails in Devil’s Den State Park are closed until further notice.
Image of Cristen and Clinton Brinks via Facebook
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