Tragic Final Hours of California Coffee Entrepreneurs Revealed in Coroner's Report
A prominent California couple, celebrated for their innovative coffee business, tragically refused medical attention after the husband experienced a severe reaction to psychedelic mushrooms, just hours before both were found dead from carbon monoxide poisoning. John "Jay" Ruskey, 53, and Kristen Ruskey, 49, owners of Good Land Organics and Frinj Coffee, were pronounced deceased at a residence in Cambria on February 8, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department.
Disturbing Sequence of Events Uncovered
A coroner's report obtained by the Santa Barbara Independent provides chilling new insights into the couple's last moments. The Ruskeys had attended a birthday gathering in Cambria on February 7 with over fifty other guests, retiring to their room around 2:30 a.m. on February 8. Approximately two hours later, Kristen dialed 911, expressing concern that her husband was suffering a seizure.
When emergency responders arrived, Kristen informed authorities that Jay was merely "having a bad trip" after consuming chocolate infused with psychedelic mushrooms. Party attendees reported hearing Jay vomiting and screaming during the incident. Despite these alarming symptoms, first responders, citing "the totality of the circumstances and the decedent's observed behavior," recommended Jay seek hospital care for a higher level of medical attention. Jay firmly declined any treatment.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Discovery
Hours later, at 9:30 a.m., friends discovered Kristen unresponsive on the laundry room floor, adjacent to the bedroom where the couple had stayed. Jay was found in the bedroom, also unresponsive, without a pulse, and not breathing. Friends performed CPR until emergency personnel arrived, but the Ruskeys were declared dead at the scene.
Authorities later determined the cause of death to be carbon monoxide poisoning. A toxicology report confirmed dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide in both individuals' systems. Kristen also had a blood alcohol content of 0.04, with her death attributed to both carbon monoxide and ethanol. The deaths were ruled accidental.
Investigation Findings and Safety Concerns
Investigators found no drugs in the Ruskeys' room or vehicle, and no party guests witnessed Jay taking illicit substances. However, detectives discovered a piece of gold foil in the room, believed to have contained the mushroom-laced chocolate. Days after the incident, the homeowner contacted police about potential carbon monoxide levels.
Upon inspection, authorities located a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm in the couple's room, but both devices had their wires disconnected. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office chose not to investigate the carbon monoxide source, as there were no indications of foul play. Spokesman Tony Cipolla stated that alleged drug use did not contribute to their deaths.
Legacy and Community Impact
John, commonly known as Jay, founded Good Land Organics in 1992, specializing in exotic fruits. The business evolved, with Frinj Coffee launching in 2018 as a separate entity. Frinj Coffee made history as the first Californian coffee grower to compete in the Dubai Coffee Auction, showcasing California coffee on a global stage. The company had filed for bankruptcy in early 2024 but rebounded by 2026.
In a heartfelt statement, the family emphasized focusing on the couple's positive impact, noting their generosity in supporting schools, causes, and friends, as well as their dedication as parents. They urged the public to install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, stating, "They save lives."
The Ruskeys are survived by their three children: Kasurina, 19, and 16-year-old twins Sean and Aiden. A community fundraiser has been established to assist with funeral costs and financial pressures, raising over $192,000 as of April 20. The family expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the couple's enduring legacy through their agricultural work and community contributions.
