Tragic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims Lives of Renowned Farmers

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A famous Santa Barbara farming couple, John 'Jay' and Kristen Ruskey, tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning at their friend's home in Cambria, California. The coroner's report revealed that hours before paramedics were called, Jay had refused their advice to seek further medical care at the hospital, which could have saved their lives.

Why it matters

The Ruskeys were well-known in the local community as the founders of Good Land Organics, an exotic fruit farm, and FRINJ Coffee. Their untimely deaths have left their three teenage children without parents and the community mourning the loss of two beloved figures.

The details

According to the report, Kristen and Jay went to their room after a party around 2:30 am. Two hours later, Jay's wife called 911 because she feared her husband was suffering from some kind of seizure. Paramedics advised Jay to go to the hospital for 'a higher level of care' based on his observed behavior, but he refused any medical treatment. Later that morning, the couple's bodies were found unresponsive and not breathing. An early toxicology report determined they had died from toxic levels of carbon monoxide. Days after their deaths, the homeowners called police worried about the level of carbon monoxide, and authorities found the carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm in the room had been disconnected.

• On February 8, Kristen and Jay were found dead at their friend's home in Cambria.
• Hours before paramedics were called, Jay refused their advice to seek further medical care at the hospital.

What’s next

The California Post reached out to the San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Office for further comment on the investigation.