This news broke my heart

This news broke my heart…

It is with an overwhelming sense of sorrow and disbelief that we share the heartbreaking loss of Cristen Brink (Trent) and her husband, who were senselessly murdered while on a hiking trip with their young daughters in Arkansas. This tragedy has shattered the hearts of many—family, friends, teammates, coworkers, and countless others who were touched by the kindness and light Cristen radiated throughout her life.

Cristen was not just a former teammate—she was a friend, a sister in spirit, and someone who brought warmth and integrity to every space she entered. Her smile was contagious, her laugh unforgettable, and her compassion endless. As an athlete, she was fierce and focused, always pushing others to be their best while staying grounded in humility and grace. Off the field, she was someone you could always count on—loyal, kindhearted, and full of encouragement.

She and her husband were enjoying what should have been a peaceful family moment—hiking with their daughters, creating memories and teaching them to love nature, to embrace adventure, and to live with wonder. Instead, this cherished moment turned into an unthinkable nightmare. The couple was taken in an act of violence so cruel, so incomprehensible, that it has left a scar on all who knew and loved them.

The only glimmer of comfort in this darkness is knowing that their girls are safe and now back in the arms of family, where they will be surrounded by love, support, and the shared memories of two extraordinary parents who adored them more than life itself. It’s a testament to Cristen and her husband’s strength that they raised such resilient, brave young girls. The road ahead for them is unimaginably difficult, but they will not walk it alone.

Thankfully, after days of fear and uncertainty, justice has begun its slow process. Law enforcement has apprehended and charged a suspect in this heinous crime. While nothing can undo what has been done, there is some small solace in knowing that accountability is being sought for this unimaginable act of cruelty.

But justice can never truly heal the gaping hole left behind. Their deaths leave a silence that echoes—on the sidelines of soccer fields, at birthday parties, in classrooms, at family dinners, and everywhere their laughter once filled the air. Their absence will be felt at every milestone, in every quiet moment, and in the shared stories that will now carry the weight of grief.

Cristen and her husband leave behind a legacy of love—a life of service to others, of laughter and loyalty, of deep friendships and fierce devotion to their girls. In their honor, we grieve. In their memory, we will carry forward their light.

To their family: we wrap our arms around you from near and far. Your pain is immeasurable, but so is the love that surrounds you. May you find strength in the days ahead, may you feel the prayers being lifted for you every minute, and may you know that Cristen and her husband will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Cristen. Rest in peace to your beloved husband. You were taken too soon, but your impact will live on forever.