Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink Found Dead While Hiking with Two Daughters at Devil’s Den State Park

In a deeply disturbing and heartbreaking case out of northwest Arkansas, a man and woman—Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink, 43 and 41 respectively—were found dead on a hiking trail in Devil’s Den State Park while hiking with their two young daughters.

The double homicide has left the local community in shock and prompted an extensive manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large. Arkansas State Police, along with other law enforcement agencies, are working relentlessly to piece together the sequence of events that led to this horrifying tragedy.

The Brinks had recently moved to Prairie Grove, a small town located just 12 miles west of Devil’s Den State Park. The couple’s sudden and violent deaths have not only devastated their family and friends but also raised alarm over public safety in state parks. Their daughters, ages 7 and 9, were found unharmed and are now in the custody of family members. However, the trauma of losing both parents in such a manner is unimaginable.

A Peaceful Family Hike Turns into Tragedy

Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink had chosen a serene Saturday to explore Devil’s Den State Park with their two daughters. The park, nestled in the rugged wilderness of northwest Arkansas, is a popular destination for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. Known for its scenic trails, rocky terrain, and dense woodlands, Devil’s Den offers a perfect getaway from the noise of daily life. For the Brinks, who had recently relocated from out of state, it was supposed to be a peaceful family outing in nature.

According to Arkansas State Police, the call regarding the double homicide was received shortly before 3 p.m. on Saturday. Officers responded to a remote area of the park, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink on a walking trail. The exact location within the park has not been disclosed to the public, but officials described the area as extremely remote, with rugged terrain, thick vegetation, and no cellphone reception—conditions that may have allowed the killer to escape undetected.

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It is not currently known whether the daughters witnessed the killing, but authorities have confirmed that they were not physically harmed. Their presence during such a horrific event, however, will undoubtedly have a long-lasting emotional impact. The Brinks were said to have recently moved to Arkansas from out of state, with previous residences in California and eastern Montana, according to their social media profiles and public records.

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Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders expressed her condolences and called the killings “horrific.” She assured the public that law enforcement is doing everything possible to apprehend the suspect. “We are heartbroken by today’s horrific news from Devil’s Den State Park,” she stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Law enforcement will not rest until the killer is found and prosecuted.”

The Manhunt and Ongoing Investigation

The Arkansas State Police have launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspect, who is described as a man of medium build wearing dark clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark baseball cap, and fingerless gloves. Authorities believe he may have been driving a black sedan—possibly a Mazda—with tape covering its license plate, and may have exited the park using either State Highway 170 or 220.

Despite the rugged terrain and lack of communication signals in Devil’s Den, investigators are hopeful that digital evidence could provide vital leads. Detectives have appealed to anyone who was in the park on Saturday to come forward with cellphone videos, GoPro footage, or any other relevant imagery. This includes both visitors and passersby who may have unknowingly captured images of the suspect or his vehicle.

As of now, no weapon has been recovered, and investigators have not released any details about the manner or cause of death. The Arkansas State Crime Lab is currently conducting autopsies to determine the exact cause. Furthermore, authorities have yet to establish a clear motive behind the killings. Whether this was a random act of violence or a targeted attack remains to be seen, but the randomness suggested by current information has heightened public anxiety in the region.

The FBI has been contacted to assist with the case, though their role has not been detailed in public statements. The agency’s expertise in digital forensics and interstate crime could prove vital in tracking the suspect if he has fled Arkansas. Surveillance from highway traffic cams, gas stations, and nearby towns may also offer important clues.

Officials have temporarily closed all trails in Devil’s Den State Park until further notice. A spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism confirmed the closure, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to preserve the crime scene. The park, which just last month celebrated the reopening of a newly renovated campground, is now the site of a violent double murder—a stark and tragic contrast.

Impact on the Community and the Road Ahead

The senseless killing of Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink has shaken not only the residents of Prairie Grove but also families across Arkansas and beyond who frequent state parks for recreation and solace. Prairie Grove, a town of just a few thousand people, is known for its quiet lifestyle and close-knit community. The Brinks had only recently joined this community, but their deaths have already left a significant mark.

The daughters, now orphaned, are being cared for by relatives, but the long-term psychological and emotional impact will likely be profound. Counseling and trauma support services are expected to be made available for them, as well as for community members who are grappling with the tragedy. Schools and local organizations are preparing to offer support as the story continues to unfold.

The crime also raises important questions about public safety in remote areas. Devil’s Den, like many state parks, offers a serene natural escape—but also presents unique challenges for law enforcement and emergency services. With limited cellphone coverage and rugged terrain, the park becomes a vulnerable zone for criminal activity. Officials may now need to consider enhanced surveillance, emergency stations, or increased ranger presence to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Governor Sanders and state officials have promised swift action and justice. The emphasis now is on locating and apprehending the killer before he can strike again or evade capture permanently. Tips from the public are vital, and the state police have opened multiple lines of communication for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to step forward.

The case has also caught national attention, particularly due to the chilling circumstances of a family outing turning into a crime scene. As investigators work around the clock, communities are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support one another during this difficult time.

For many who knew Clinton and Cristen Brink, they were not just victims of a heinous crime—they were parents, partners, and friends whose lives were abruptly taken in a moment of violence that remains unexplained. Their memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved them, while the community and law enforcement continue their pursuit of justice.

As the investigation progresses, more information is expected to be released, including forensic findings, surveillance leads, and possibly a more detailed profile of the suspect. Until then, the hope remains that justice will be served swiftly and that the daughters of Clinton and Cristen Brink will find peace and healing in the love and support of their extended family.