A newly released coroner’s report has provided a harrowing timeline of the events leading to the accidental deaths of John “Jay” and Kristen Ruskey, the prominent founders of Frinj Coffee. The findings, released by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, confirm that a disabled carbon monoxide detector and a misunderstood medical emergency preceded the double tragedy.
The couple was discovered unresponsive on the morning of Feb. 8 at a residence in Cambria, California, following a birthday celebration attended by approximately 60 guests. While initial reports cited a combination of carbon monoxide and ethanol toxicity, the detailed narrative reveals a critical window where medical intervention was declined.
At approximately 4:30 a.m. on the morning of their deaths, Kristen Ruskey, 49, contacted emergency services, reporting that her husband, 53, appeared to be suffering a seizure.
Upon the arrival of first responders, the situation was tragically mischaracterized. Kristen informed medics that Jay might be experiencing a “bad trip” after consuming psilocybin-infused chocolate. Although paramedics observed erratic behavior and recommended immediate hospital transport for a “higher level of care,” Jay Ruskey refused all treatment. The couple subsequently returned to their room.
Hours later, at approximately 9:30 a.m., guests discovered Kristen unresponsive in a laundry room near the bedroom. Jay was found shortly after in the bedroom, pulseless and not breathing. Despite immediate CPR efforts by guests and arriving EMS, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation shifted focus five days later when the property owner alerted police to concerns regarding carbon monoxide levels. Authorities subsequently located a disconnected carbon monoxide and smoke detector in the room where the couple had been staying.
Toxicology reports confirmed lethal levels of carbon monoxide in both victims. Notably, forensic investigators found no evidence of illicit drugs in the room or the couple’s vehicle. Furthermore, interviews with party attendees yielded no reports of drug consumption by the victims, contradicting the “bad trip” theory suggested during the initial 911 call.
The Ruskeys were influential figures in the California agricultural community, widely credited with pioneering the state’s specialty coffee industry. They leave behind three teenage children. A community-led fundraiser has raised over $192,000 to support the family as of late April.
In a statement, the Ruskey family described the couple as “pillars” of the community, noting that their legacy would live on through their children and their contributions to sustainable farming. Their deaths have been officially ruled accidental.
