Central Coast Coffee Pioneers Found Dead in Cambria

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Jay and Kristen Ruskey, the husband-and-wife team behind Good Land Organics and Frinj Coffee, were found dead on Sunday while visiting friends in Cambria, California. The couple leaves behind three children - Kasurina, 19, and 16-year-old twins Sean and Aiden. Autopsies have been performed, but toxicology results are still pending as the investigation continues.

Why it matters

The Ruskeys were pioneers in the California coffee industry, helping to build a fledgling coffee growing and roasting community on the Central Coast. Their sudden deaths have stunned the local food and agriculture community, who saw the couple as generous mentors and leaders in the field.

The details

San Luis Obispo County investigators said the deaths do not appear to be suspicious, but few additional details have been released while the inquiry continues. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral and immediate expenses for the Ruskeys' three children.

• The Ruskeys were found dead on Sunday, February 12, 2026.
• Autopsies were performed on Thursday, February 16, 2026.
• Toxicology results are expected to take a few weeks.

What’s next

Toxicology results are likely to be the clearest path to answers and are not expected for several weeks. In the meantime, funeral arrangements remain pending and community members are continuing to raise funds.