WEST FORK, Ark. — A tragic hiking outing at Devil’s Den State Park took a devastating turn when a married couple was killed while walking with their two young daughters on Saturday. The Arkansas State Police responded swiftly, confirming that the couple, Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were fatally injured on a popular walking trail.
The couple’s daughters, aged 7 and 9, were unharmed and are currently safe with relatives. In an effort to bring justice for the Brinks, authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation, with assistance from the FBI. Jessica Franklin, a spokesperson for the agency, indicated that specialized resources and additional personnel are being deployed to support the ongoing inquiry.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement has released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as a white male. While not much is known about the suspect’s identity, details about his appearance have been gathered. Investigators believe he wore a long-sleeve shirt with rolled-up sleeves, dark pants, sunglasses, a dark baseball cap, and fingerless gloves at the time of the incident. Witnesses reportedly saw him driving away from the park in a black four-door sedan, potentially a Mazda, with a license plate obscured by electrical tape.
Following the incident, the Arkansas State Police confirmed that their criminal investigation team had completed its tasks at the park by Sunday morning. This rapid response was critical in gathering evidence and securing the scene for further analysis.
In a heartfelt statement, the Brink family has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Clinton and Cristen. They are requesting privacy as they navigate this traumatic period. They emphasized that the couple died while bravely protecting their daughters, calling for any information that may aid in bringing the perpetrator to justice. “They will forever live in all of our hearts,” the family noted.
Anyone who may have relevant information, images, or videos related to the suspect is urged to reach out to the Arkansas State Police Troop L at 479-751-6663. This appeal reflects the urgency of the investigation and the desperate need for answers during this difficult time for the Brink family.