The founders of Frinj Coffee and owners of Good Land Organics, Jay and Kristen Ruskey, died of carbon monoxide poisoning, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office reports.
The couple passed away in their sleep on Sunday, February 8, at a friend’s home in Cambria, leaving behind three teenage children.
According to the Independent, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office delivered toxicology results to the family on Wednesday. A more detailed report is expected next week.
On Thursday afternoon, the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office released an initial report stating that on February 8, deputies responded to a home in the 8100 block of Lone Palm Drive Cambria for a call for service which resulted in a coroner’s case.
The coroner identified the two decedents as 53-year-old John Ruskey and 49-year-old Kristen Ruskey, both of Goleta.
“An autopsy and toxicology testing were performed. The Coroner has determined John Ruskey died of toxic effects of carbon monoxide and Kristen Ruskey died of toxic effects of carbon monoxide and ethanol. Their deaths are ruled as accidental,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.
A combination carbon monoxide/smoke detector was found in their room, but it was found to be disconnected, according to the Sheriff’s Office. No further information was provided.
Jay Ruskey founded Good Land Organics in 1992. He and his wife, Kristen Ruskey, also owned Frinj Coffee, a “soil-to-cup” coffee company.
A fundraising campaign on GoFundMe has been launched to assist the family with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as the immediate financial needs of the three children; two are in high school and one is in college.
In a message accompanying the campaign, organizer Jose Caballero described the Ruskeys as “caring and generous members” of the community, saying the couple were always eager to support schools, causes, and friends.
In addition to their commitment to the community, the two were “loving and fiercely engaged parents” to their children.
The couple’s children shared a message on the GoFundMe, writing, “On behalf of the Ruskey children, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to this incredible community. The outpouring of love, generosity, and support following the loss of our parents has been a source of immense strength for us. Whether you sent a meal, shared a memory, or offered a prayer, please know that your kindness has touched our hearts deeply. We feel truly blessed to be surrounded by such a caring community during this difficult time.”
The fundraising campaign has a goal of $180,000 and has raised more than $173,000 so far with over a thousand people donating.
“Any donation, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated as we honor Jay and Kristen’s memory by supporting their children,” the organizers said.
Caballero has organized the campaign on behalf of beneficiary Barbara Kieffe and stated all funds will be managed and distributed by Brent Waldman, a longtime family friend and certified court receiver.
“It is with profound and shattered hearts that we share the news of the tragic passing of our beloved Jay and Kristen Ruskey,” the family said in a statement, as reported by the Independent. “They were the pillars of our family, known not only for their devotion to one another but for their unwavering love for their children. To those who knew them, they were the first to offer a helping hand to others. Their loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but their legacy lives on through their children, who were their greatest pride and joy.”
Further updates on the investigation are expected when the Sheriff’s Office releases its full report.
Located on the foothills of Santa Barbara, Good Land Organics is an exotic fruit and coffee farm overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The company specializes in growing rare and exotic fruit in California.
The organic farm uses a layered agriculture system that utilizes crop diversity and maximizes the region’s hilly terrain.
Good Land Organics is also the flagship farm and headquarters of Frinj Coffee. The business initially started out as a coffee program in 2012.
The coffee business’s name is a nod to the farm’s ability to grow coffee on the fringe of traditional producing regions.
According to the company, 45% of Frinj’s revenue is shared directly with farmers. Under Jay Ruskey’s leadership, the company invested in intercropping and regenerative practices aimed at supporting farm health and coffee quality.
Frinj has collaborated with researchers at the University of California, Davis, to develop resilient growing systems.
[Ed note: This article has been updated with new information from the San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office.]
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The Independent article listed “Died from Accidental Leak of Toxic Gas”.
What is the source of an Accidental Leak of Toxic Gas?
And were there other people in the private residence. And if so, what if anything happened to them? There’s more to this story.
Conspiracy! Conspiracy! Quick, make something up!
HAMMONDS – keep your speculative trash on the dirty and played out beach you pretend to be a local at.
Probably not. If they were in the room with the faulty CO producing, improperly vented device with the door closed the CO would mostly be isolated to that room.
Doesn’t anyone read anymore? The article clearly states the cause of death was carbon monoxide and ethyl alcohol (liquor). We are not privy to the details, they could have been in a guest house on the property with a faulty heater… and what does it really matter? Two beloved souls are gone and their children are without parents… practice a bit of grace, respect that there could be grieving loved ones reading these comments.
Godspeed Jay and Kristen Ruskey.
Short answer is that CO is a product of combustion, so any device in the house that uses gas and a flame and not vented properly. Often water heaters, home heater, dryer, etc. Not entirely uncommon.
Bummer!
I met Jay while working on my dissertation . . . he was one of my farmers . . .
https://dennispgerman.com/papers/dissertation.pdf