While we usually shine a spotlight on the beauty of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, this heartbreaking story out of Arkansas deserves our attention—especially for those of us who spend time in the outdoors.
Over the weekend, 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink were brutally murdered while hiking with their two young daughters at Devil’s Den State Park, a remote and rugged area in northwest Arkansas. Their children, just 7 and 9 years old, miraculously survived and managed to seek help—alone.
According to Arkansas State Police, the call came in around 2:40 p.m. Saturday after the girls appeared at the visitor center reporting that their parents had been attacked. Within the hour, officers heard screams in the woods and discovered the bodies of the couple.
The suspect is still on the loose. Described as a white male of medium build wearing a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, and fingerless gloves, he was last seen leaving the park in a black four-door sedan—possibly a Mazda—with the license plate obscured by duct tape.
Authorities have cordoned off the park and are asking the public to submit any trail cam, phone, or security footage—but to avoid sharing anything online that might interfere with the investigation. The area where the attack occurred is extremely remote, with zero cell service and dense vegetation—an unsettling combination for any outdoor lover.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders called the incident “horrific,” and law enforcement agencies across Arkansas are now increasing their presence at other state parks.
At That Oregon Life, we write often about hiking, camping, and the peaceful beauty of nature. But stories like this are a gut-punch reminder: danger can find its way even to the most serene settings.
Whether you're exploring Oregon’s backcountry or hiking far from cell service, we encourage you to take every safety precaution. That might mean carrying bear spray, a GPS beacon, or—if you're trained and legally able—a firearm. It’s not fear-mongering; it’s preparedness.
Nature is unpredictable. Unfortunately, so are people.
Stay safe out there, Oregon. Hug your loved ones, plan smart, and don’t forget: the wild is beautiful—but it’s not always safe.
