The tragic passing of renowned Santa Barbara farmers, John “Jay” and Kristen Ruskey, has been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning, as confirmed by a recent toxicology report. The couple, known for their coffee and exotic fruit farming, were discovered lifeless at a friend’s residence in Cambria on February 8, according to information from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
Details from the coroner’s findings revealed that hours before their demise, paramedics had responded to a call at the residence. Despite their recommendation for further medical evaluation at a hospital, Jay declined, as reported by the Santa Barbara Independent.
Reports indicate that after a party, the couple retired to their room around 2:30 a.m. Shortly after, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Kristen made a distress call to 911, worried that Jay was experiencing a seizure.
During the emergency response, Kristen informed authorities that Jay was enduring a “bad trip” after consuming chocolate infused with psychedelic mushrooms. Eyewitnesses at the party recounted hearing Jay vomiting and shouting, adding a layer of distress to the unfolding events.
The Mayo Clinic notes that early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can manifest as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath, which tragically align with the circumstances surrounding the couple’s untimely death.
Early signs that a person has been exposed to the toxic gas includes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath, according to the Mayo Clinic.
He was advised to go to the hospital for “a higher level of care,” which they said was based “on the totality of the circumstances and the decedent’s observed behavior,” per the report. However, he refused to go and any medical treatment.
Later that morning, the couple’s bodies were found in their room, unresponsive and not breathing.
The coroner’s report did not find any drugs in the Ruskey’s room or vehicle and no one at the party said they saw Jay take illegal drugs. A gold piece of foil was found in the room which detectives believe contained the chocolate.
Days after the couple’s death, owners of the Cambria home called police worried about the level of carbon monoxide. When authorities came out they found a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm in the room where the couple had stayed, but the wires had been disconnected.
Their deaths have been ruled as accidental.
In a statement to the outlet, the family said the report “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.”
The statement added, “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. They save lives.”
The pair was known locally as the founders of Good Land Organics, an exotic fruit farm, as well as a coffee business called FRINJ Coffee.
They are survived by their 19-year-old daughter Kasurina and 16-year-old twin sons Aiden and Sean, according to a GoFundMe established by family friend Jose Caballero.
The California Post reached out to the SLO sheriff’s office for further comment.
