Community Grieves Volleyball Star and Husband Killed at Devil's Den State Park

Background of the Victims

Clinton Brink, 43, and Cristen “Trent” Brink, 41, were a couple from Bakersfield who tragically lost their lives on a hiking trail in Arkansas. Clinton attended Foothill High School, while Cristen was a standout volleyball player at Liberty High School. Before her marriage, she made a name for herself as an All-American at California State University, San Bernardino. Her former head coach, Kim Cherniss, spoke highly of her, highlighting the legacy she left behind for future athletes to admire.

“It's Trent, everyone knows,” said Coach Cherniss. “I've had so many alums who played either right before her or right after her reach out to me, and it would just because they know her, they know who she is, they know what she meant to the program.”

Clinton was in the process of transitioning jobs when he was employed by Hiland Dairy in Fayetteville, Arkansas. However, he was also associated with Prairie Farms in South Dakota, where he applied for a position in Fayetteville. On July 21, after the family moved to Prairie Grove, Clinton turned down the offer at Hiland Dairy.

The Tragic Hiking Incident

On July 26, just 30 minutes away from their new residence, the couple took their two daughters, ages 7 and 9, on a hike at Devil’s Den State Park. That day, around 2:40 p.m., Arkansas State Police responded to a double homicide on the trail. According to dispatch audio released by the Northwest Arkansas Public Safety Channel, officers were alerted that a male and female were attacked on the hiking trail and then fled in a small black sports car with the license plate taped over.

When law enforcement arrived, both Clinton and Cristen Brink were found dead. One hiker at the park described the scene, saying, “There were cop cars all around there, and we were a little concerned, and we went up to the visitor center because we're trying to get some merch, some stickers, and they said that they couldn't say anything but that everything was closed for an emergency.”

Due to the ongoing investigation, details about the attack remain limited. The park is located in a remote and rural area, with rugged terrain, thick vegetation, and no cellphone service. Locals confirmed the lack of cell signal, making the situation even more challenging for those involved.

Description of the Suspect

Arkansas State Police issued a description of the suspect, believing him to be a white man with a medium build wearing a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He 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.

Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred at Devil’s Den State Park. Our hearts are with the victims’ loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The department has increased law enforcement presence in state parks, with Park Rangers actively working to ensure the safety of visitors.

Reactions from the Community

In Bakersfield, the current Liberty High School principal, Leandra Slayton, shared her condolences, recalling Cristen as part of the school’s first varsity volleyball team. She stated, “I am extremely sad to hear about Cristen. It is very difficult to process. She did play for me and was in the first graduating class. She still holds collegiate records in setting for the CCAA.”

Cal State San Bernardino also released a statement honoring Cristen, calling her one of the top setters in the program’s history and noting that she still holds every assist record at the university. The statement added, “She was truly an iconic figure in our program who was loved by every single one of her teammates.”

Coach Cherniss shared memories of Cristen, mentioning that she recently reached out to set up an alumni reunion. “I know that she was really busy with her nursing career, and I was just so proud of her and everything that she was accomplishing,” she said.

Support for the Family

A GoFundMe page was created for the couple, stating, “Clinton and Cristen were loving parents to their three precious daughters. Devoted to one another, devoted to their girls, and devoted to God.” The page aims to support the family during this difficult time.