Couple killed at Arkansas' Devil's Den State Park 'died heroes protecting their little girls,' family says

The couple who lost their lives over the weekend at Arkansas’ Devil’s Den State Park are remembered as “heroes” by their family for defending their two young daughters.

Authorities continue to search for the suspect responsible for the deaths of Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen Brink, 41, who were discovered dead on a walking trail Saturday afternoon. Thankfully, their young daughters, aged 9 and 7, were unharmed and are now with family, police confirmed.

“The family requests privacy during this extremely challenging period as they mourn and adapt to this new reality. They urge anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to contact the authorities immediately. Clinton and Kristen died as heroes shielding their little girls, and they deserve justice,” stated a message from the family shared with ABC News. “They will forever be in our hearts.”

The Brinks were new to the area, having recently moved to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, from another state. It is still unclear how they were killed. 

Hiking trail sign at Devil's Den State Park

A sign for a hiking trail at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork, Arkansas. (Stephen O’Connell via AP)

Arkansas State Police did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. 

“We’re just really hoping that anybody who captured any video or pictures or anything suspicious, just let us know,” State Police spokesperson Nick Genty told The Associated Press. “We’re investigating any and all tips that we get.” 

In 911 recordings obtained by KNWA and KFTA, an operator was heard saying that first responders “received a call from the visitor’s center, two children are there, they advised that their parents were assaulted” and missing. 

“I hear yells calling for help, we’re walking down…,” the station also quoted an officer as saying on Saturday. 

Devil's Den State Park

The couple was killed on Saturday, July 26 at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. (iStock)

“Try to relay to the office that we found the victims down here. There are on the lower Devil’s Den Trail … I think I see you right there. I’ve got two bodies down here,” said another. 

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