It was supposed to be a fresh start. Clinton Brink and Cristen Brink had just moved their lives from the rugged plains of South Dakota to the rolling hills of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. They were only three weeks into their new adventure in July 2025. You know how it is when you move—the house is full of half-unpacked boxes, the kids are exploring new backyards, and every weekend feels like a chance to see what the local area has to offer.
On Saturday, July 26, they drove out to Devil’s Den State Park.
It’s a beautiful spot. Rugged. Thick green vegetation. If you’ve ever been there, you know the cell service is basically non-existent. That's part of the draw. But that afternoon, the peace of the trail was shattered in a way that feels like something out of a nightmare.
The Heroism of Clinton Brink and Cristen Brink
Most people think of state parks as safe havens. They aren't supposed to be crime scenes. Yet, while hiking with their two young daughters—ages 7 and 9—the family was targeted in what police later described as a "completely random" attack.
Clinton was 43. Cristen was 41.
They weren't just victims; they were protectors. According to the investigation by the Arkansas State Police, the attack started suddenly. Clinton was targeted first. In that split second of pure terror, Cristen didn't freeze. She grabbed her girls. She moved them toward safety, shepherding them away from the immediate danger.
Then she did the unthinkable.
After making sure her daughters were out of the line of fire, she went back. She ran back into the chaos to help her husband. Honestly, it’s the kind of bravery you hope you’d have but pray you never have to use. Both Clinton and Cristen Brink died from their injuries on that trail.
Who Was the Suspect?
For a few days, the community was on edge. A "monster" was on the loose. That’s what Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called him.
The search led to Andrew James McGann, a 28-year-old former teacher.
The details of his life are weirdly mundane. He had a degree in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University. He had worked in several school districts across Texas and Oklahoma. He’d even been placed on administrative leave at one point for "classroom management concerns," but he kept getting hired. He’d just moved to Arkansas himself.
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Police caught him in a barbershop in Springdale. He was getting a haircut.
- Suspect: Andrew James McGann
- Charges: Two counts of capital murder
- The Arrest: Five days after the attack
- Motive: Still largely a mystery to the public
Living for the Simple Joys
If you look at the social media profiles for Clinton and Cristen Brink, you don't see a tragedy. You see a life. Their pages are filled with photos of kayaking, theme parks, and hiking. They were married in September 2014.
Cristen was a registered nurse. She’d held licenses in Montana and South Dakota. She was known for her kindness and was heavily involved in local moms' groups. Clinton was a family man through and through. He had worked for Prairie Farms Dairy in South Dakota and was literally two days away from starting a new job at Hiland Dairy in Fayetteville when he was killed.
They were even looking forward to becoming grandparents.
The tragedy isn't just that they died; it’s that they were right on the cusp of a whole new chapter. They moved to Arkansas to be closer to Clinton’s mother. They wanted that "change of scenery" that so many of us crave.
The Aftermath and the Daughters
The most heartbreaking part of the Clinton Brink and Cristen Brink story is the two girls. They were the ones who reached the visitor center. They were the ones who told the park rangers that their parents had been attacked.
Imagine that walk.
Those girls are safe now, being cared for by family. But they carry the weight of what happened at Devil’s Den. The community has rallied around them, with GoFundMe campaigns and local memorials held as far away as Bakersfield, California, where Clinton was originally from.
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Why This Case Still Matters
In early 2026, the legal proceedings against McGann are still a major focus for those following the case in Washington County. People want answers. How does a teacher with no major criminal record end up allegedly committing a double homicide in broad daylight?
It's a reminder of the fragility of safety.
But more than that, it’s a story about what it means to be a parent. The Brink family’s legacy isn't the violence of that Saturday; it’s the fact that their daughters are alive today because of the choices Clinton and Cristen made in their final moments.
Actionable Takeaways for Hikers
While the attack on the Brinks was a freak occurrence, it has led to a massive conversation about safety in remote areas. If you’re heading out into the Ozarks or any rugged terrain, here’s how to stay prepared:
- Download Offline Maps: Don't rely on cell service. Use apps like AllTrails or Gaia GPS to download maps before you lose signal.
- The "Safety Whistle" Rule: Give your kids high-decibel safety whistles. Teach them to blow three sharp blasts if they get separated or feel in danger.
- Check-In Protocols: Always tell someone exactly which trail you are on and your expected "out" time.
- Personal Protection: Know the local laws regarding what you can carry for self-defense, whether that’s bear spray or other tools, and ensure you are trained to use them.
The loss of Clinton and Cristen Brink is a heavy one. They were heroes in the truest, most literal sense of the word. They lived for their family, and in the end, they gave everything to ensure their children had a future.
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Support for the surviving family remains a priority for the Prairie Grove and Bakersfield communities. Keeping their story alive ensures that the focus stays on the bravery of the victims rather than the actions of the accused.
Make sure your loved ones know where you are when you head off-grid. Stay aware of your surroundings, even in places that feel like paradise.