Story perspectives

Santa Barbara Farmers Die from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

John 'Jay' Ruskey and Kristen Ruskey, Santa Barbara farmers, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on February 8, with authorities ruling deaths accidental and linked to disconnected detectors.
A toxicology report shows Ruskey refused medical care after believing he was having a bad trip from psychedelic mushrooms.
The couple left three teenage children and ran Good Land Organics and FRINJ Coffee.
A family statement urged installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

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Story summary

John 'Jay' Ruskey and Kristen Ruskey, Santa Barbara farmers, died of carbon monoxide poisoning on February 8, with authorities ruling deaths accidental and linked to disconnected detectors.
A toxicology report shows Ruskey refused medical care after believing he was having a bad trip from psychedelic mushrooms.
The couple left three teenage children and ran Good Land Organics and FRINJ Coffee.
A family statement urged installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.