Couple Identified in Fatal Devil’s Den Attack: Prairie Grove Parents Killed While Hiking With Children
PRAIRIE GROVE, AR — July 27, 2025 — Authorities have identified the couple fatally attacked while hiking with their children in Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday as Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41. The two had recently relocated to Prairie Grove and were spending the day hiking with their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, when the horrific incident occurred.
Both children were unharmed and are now safely in the care of family members, while state investigators continue to search for whoever is responsible for the brutal double homicide.
Investigation Underway in Arkansas Park Slayings
The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division is leading the investigation, which is being treated as a double homicide. Rangers were alerted shortly after 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, when a park visitor discovered two unresponsive adults near one of the park’s more remote trails.
Emergency responders pronounced Clinton and Cristen Brink dead at the scene. While police have not yet released the exact cause of death, sources close to the investigation describe the attack as “deliberate and violent.” Autopsies are currently being conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the attack was random or targeted, and no suspects have been publicly named.
Children Survive, Now in Family Care
Despite the horror of the incident, the couple’s two young daughters — ages 7 and 9 — survived and were not physically harmed. Police have not said whether the girls witnessed the attack or how they were separated from the scene, but they are now being cared for by family members and are receiving trauma support.
Local child advocacy groups have stepped in to provide immediate counseling and services to assist the children in this time of overwhelming loss.
Remembering Clinton and Cristen Brink
Described as kind, nature-loving, and deeply devoted to their daughters, Clinton and Cristen Brink were well-liked members of their new community. The couple had moved to Prairie Grove just a few months ago to enjoy a quieter life surrounded by the natural beauty of Arkansas.
Cristen was known for her warm personality and commitment to her daughters’ education, while Clinton, a remote consultant, often shared his passion for hiking and the outdoors with his family.
“They were always together,” said a neighbor. “You could tell their family was everything to them.”
Community members in Prairie Grove have begun organizing memorials and fundraising efforts to support the girls left behind.
Park Safety and Public Concern
Devil’s Den State Park, located in Washington County, is known for its scenic trails and peaceful atmosphere — making this incident all the more shocking. The park remains open, but law enforcement presence has increased, and some trails have been temporarily closed as investigators comb the area for evidence.
State officials have urged caution for park visitors and are asking the public for assistance. Anyone who was in the area between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and noticed anything unusual — including suspicious persons, unattended vehicles, or loud disturbances — is encouraged to come forward.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Arkansas State Police or local authorities.
A Community Grieves, and a Search for Justice Begins
The violent killing of Clinton and Cristen Brink has left Prairie Grove and surrounding communities devastated. While family and friends mourn the loss of two devoted parents, the investigation continues, and the search for answers intensifies.
In the meantime, residents are rallying around the surviving children, donating to local fundraisers and offering words of support and solidarity.
As Arkansas grieves this shocking act of violence, the hope remains that justice will be served — and that the memory of Clinton and Cristen Brink will be honored through unity, compassion, and strength.