Calif. couple died at seaside mansion after refusing medical help

John and Kristen Ruskey, owners of Good Land Organics, were found unresponsive inside a Cambria residence on Feb. 8 and pronounced dead at the scene.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a carbon monoxide detector's disconnected wiring and sensors, conveying the grim reality of the Ruskeys' accidental deaths.A carbon monoxide detector's disconnected state exposes the deadly risks that can lurk within a home's infrastructure.Cambria Today

New details surrounding the sudden deaths of a Santa Barbara County couple, John 'Jay' Ruskey, 53, and Kristen Ruskey, 49, reveal they were using magic mushrooms and declined medical care hours before they were found dead at a seaside mansion in Cambria, California. The couple's deaths were ruled accidental, caused by the toxic effects of carbon monoxide, according to coroner's reports.

Why it matters

The Ruskeys were a notable farming family on the Central Coast, having founded a groundbreaking coffee business that earned international praise. Their deaths raise questions about the circumstances surrounding their use of psilocybin mushrooms and their decision to decline medical attention when they were experiencing adverse effects.

The details

On Feb. 7, the night before their deaths, the Ruskeys attended a birthday party in Cambria with about 50 to 60 guests. At around 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 8, Kristen called 911, saying she believed John was having a seizure. When emergency responders arrived, Kristen said that John was having a 'bad trip' after consuming a chocolate bar with 'shrooms.' Medics recommended that John be transported for further medical attention, but he declined all medical treatment. Later that morning, guests found Kristen unresponsive on the floor in the laundry room, adjacent to the bedroom where the Ruskeys slept. John was also found unresponsive inside the bedroom. Toxicology reports found that both John and Kristen had dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in their blood.

  • On Feb. 7, the Ruskeys attended a birthday party in Cambria.
  • Around 4:30 a.m. on Feb. 8, Kristen called 911 saying John was having a seizure.
  • On Feb. 13, the homeowner contacted police with concerns about carbon monoxide problems at the residence.

The players

John 'Jay' Ruskey

A 53-year-old co-founder of Good Land Organics, a groundbreaking coffee business that earned international praise.

Kristen Ruskey

A 49-year-old co-founder of Good Land Organics and John's wife.

Tony Cipolla

A spokesperson for the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.

Jose Caballero

The person who launched a GoFundMe page on behalf of the Ruskey family.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While this news brings a somber clarity, we choose to focus on the incredible light they brought to the world. Their legacy lives on through the trees they planted, the farmers they mentored, and the children who carry their spirit forward. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. For the sake of your loved ones, please have detectors installed in your home and check them regularly.”

— Jose Caballero, GoFundMe organizer

What’s next

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office said it did not investigate the source of the carbon monoxide, as there were no indications of foul play or anything criminal in nature.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when experiencing adverse effects from drug use, as well as the critical need for properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors in homes to prevent such accidental deaths.