Couple Killed in Arkansas 'Died Heroes Protecting Their 2 Young Daughters,' Family Says By Sean Neumann 15

As Arkansas police hunt for the man who killed a married couple on a hike with their two young daughters on Saturday, the couple’s family is speaking out.

Arkansas State Police announced on Sunday that Clinton David Brink, 43, and Cristen Amanda Brink, 41, were attacked and killed the day before while on a hike through Devil’s Den State Park with their two daughters, aged 7 and 9, who were later found safe.

The Brink family provided a statement to local KHBS-TV, saying that the parents died while “protecting their little girls” from the attacker, whom police are still searching for as of Monday.

“The family is asking for privacy during this very difficult time as they grieve and learn how to navigate this new reality,” the statement said. “They ask that if anyone has any information at all that will help in the investigation to please contact the proper authorities immediately. Clinton and Cristen died heroes protecting their little girls and they deserve justice. They will forever live in all of our hearts.”

Arkansas State Police announced Sunday that investigators believe the attacker was a White man with a medium build who was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up, dark pants, a dark hat and sunglasses. 

Authorities also announced that they believe the suspect was carrying a black backpack and was wearing fingerless gloves. Investigators added that the suspect was seen “driving toward a park exit in a black, four-door sedan,” possibly a Mazda, with a license plate covered by electrical or duct tape, and that he may have traveled on State Highway 170 or State Highway 220 near the state park on Saturday.

“Investigators are asking those who visited the park on Saturday to check cellphone photos and videos or GoPro camera footage for images of the suspect,” police said in their release. “They are also asking residents of the area surrounding the park to notify ASP if they have access to security and game camera footage.”

Authorities asked anyone with footage to not share it on social media, as “this may inadvertently jeopardize the investigation.”

The area of the park where the killings took place is described by ASP as “a remote and rural area, where the terrain is rugged, vegetation is thick and there is no cellphone service.”

It has since been closed to the public as the investigation remains ongoing. Investigators have also not revealed a potential motive for the attack, as the search for the alleged suspect continues.

Shea Lewis, the Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, said in a statement that state parks would have an increased police presence in the coming days, PEOPLE previously reported.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil’s Den State Park,” Lewis said. “Our hearts are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Anyone with images of the suspect or any information tied to the case is being asked to contact ASP Troop L at (479) 751-6663.