Goleta Couple Dies from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Cambria

Tragedy strikes family after detector was disconnected in rental home

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:19am

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John Ruskey, 53, and Kristen Ruskey, 49, owners of Good Land Organics farm in Goleta, died last month from carbon monoxide poisoning while staying at a rental residence in Cambria. The carbon monoxide detector in their room had been disconnected, leading to the accidental deaths.

Why it matters

The deaths of the Ruskey couple, who were well-known in the Goleta community for their organic farm, have devastated their three children and raised concerns about the importance of functioning carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties to prevent such tragedies.

The details

According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, the Ruskeys were staying at a residence in Cambria when they died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators found that the carbon monoxide detector in their room had been disconnected, leading to the accidental deaths.

  • The incident occurred last month in Cambria, California.

The players

John Ruskey

A 53-year-old man who, along with his wife Kristen, owned Good Land Organics, a fruit and coffee farm in rural Goleta.

Kristen Ruskey

A 49-year-old woman who, along with her husband John, owned Good Land Organics, a fruit and coffee farm in rural Goleta.

Kasurina Ruskey

The 19-year-old daughter of John and Kristen Ruskey.

Sean Ruskey

One of the 16-year-old twin sons of John and Kristen Ruskey.

Aiden Ruskey

One of the 16-year-old twin sons of John and Kristen Ruskey.

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What’s next

Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if any negligence or code violations contributed to the accidental deaths.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the critical importance of functioning carbon monoxide detectors in rental properties to protect families and prevent such devastating accidents from occurring.