Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork, Arkansas – Tragic Arkansas Tragedy: Devil’s Den Mom Slain After Saving Her Daughters — LIVE UPDATES

Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork, Arkansas – On July 26, 2025, a hike at Devil’s Den State Park in Washington County, Arkansas, ended in unspeakable loss when Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, and her husband Clinton David Brink, 43, were fatally stabbed while hiking with their young daughters, ages 7 and 9. As the attack unfolded, Cristen quickly ushered her girls to safety before bravely running back to aid her husband—only to be killed herself. Their daughters escaped unharmed and alerted authorities, allowing the ordeal to end without further loss. Five days later, suspect Andrew James McGann, 28, was arrested mid-haircut at a Springdale salon and charged with two counts of capital murder. Investigators believe the crime was random, leaving a grieving community and family reeling from the heroic parents’ ultimate sacrifice.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Mom and dad stabbed to death in Devil’s Den State Park.

• IMPACT: Two parents killed; daughters age 7 and 9 unharmed.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “We believe the mother… returned to help her husband.” — ASP Major Rhoads

• ACTION: Hikers urged to review pictures/videos from July 26 and submit to police.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Devil’s Den State Park, West Fork, Arkansas – remote walking trail area.

2. Community Connection:

   “Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls.” – Family statement

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  With hiking and park tragedies rising even in areas with limited cellphone service, this case highlights urgent needs for trail safety protocols, especially when families visit remote parks.

The Brinks had recently moved from South Dakota to Prairie Grove, Arkansas, just as Clinton was preparing to begin a new job as a milk delivery driver and Cristen worked as a licensed nurse. On Saturday afternoon at around 2:40 p.m., the couple was attacked on a rugged, cellphone‑dead hiking trail. Cristen reacted first—bringing their daughters to safety at a visitor center—then heroically returned and was killed while trying to help Clinton, who was also fatally stabbed.

Authorities believe the attack was random, with no known prior relationship between the victims and suspect. The girls’ vivid description of the assailant helped lead to a manhunt. McGann—a 28‑year‑old former teacher certified in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma—was arrested five days later at Lupita’s Beauty Salon in Springdale. He had been grooming himself to obscure his appearance. DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene.

Police confirm McGann faces two counts of capital murder and could face the death penalty. The park remains closed, and law enforcement has urged locals and visitors to comb through any footage or photos taken that day.

Update Log

• July 29, 2025: Official sketch and images released publicly.

• July 31, 2025: McGann arrested in Springdale barbershop.