Devil’s Den Mom Saved Daughters and Ran Back to Help Her Husband — That’s When She Was Killed, Say Cops

In a tragic turn of events at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas, a mother lost her life while attempting to save her family from a random attack. The mother, identified as Cristen Brink, along with her husband Clinton and their two young daughters, aged 7 and 9, were hiking when the assailant, Andrew James McGann, fatally stabbed Clinton. Brink swiftly led her children to safety before bravely returning to help her husband, a selfless act that proved fatal for both parents.

The harrowing incident took place on July 26, leaving the community in shock and disbelief. Major Stacie Rhoads of the Arkansas State Police shared details of the tragic event at a press conference, confirming that Cristen Brink made a valiant effort to ensure the safety of her daughters before going back to assist her husband. Tragically, both Cristen and Clinton succumbed to their injuries from the brutal attack, leaving behind a devastated family.

Following a five-day search, authorities apprehended the suspect, Andrew James McGann, at a barbershop in Springdale. McGann, aged 28, was taken into custody without resistance and now faces two counts of capital murder in connection with the heinous crime. Despite the swift arrest, investigators are yet to establish any links between McGann and the victims, suggesting that the attack was entirely unprovoked and random in nature.

The Brink family had recently relocated to Prairie Grove before the fateful incident unfolded, adding to the sense of tragedy surrounding their untimely deaths. The daughters, miraculously unscathed in the attack, are now under the care of their extended family as the community grapples with the aftermath of the senseless violence. McGann, a recent transplant to Arkansas, had been slated to commence work as a teacher but had not yet started interacting with students, raising questions about his motivations for the deadly assault.

With no discernible motive identified thus far, law enforcement officials continue to piece together the events leading up to the tragic loss of the Brink couple. As the community mourns the devastating loss of two lives and rallies around the surviving children, the search for answers and closure in this inexplicable case of violence remains ongoing. The resilience and bravery displayed by Cristen Brink in the face of danger serve as a poignant reminder of the selflessness and courage that can emerge in the darkest of moments.