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A tragic incident in California has claimed the lives of John and Kristen Ruskey, a well-known couple in the coffee-growing community, leaving their three children without parents. The community is now coming together to provide support for the grieving family.
The couple, who owned Good Land Organics and Frinj Coffee, passed away on February 8 at a residence in Cambria, as confirmed by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department. This was reported by the Santa Barbara Independent.
Authorities have stated that the circumstances surrounding their deaths do not appear suspicious, and there is likely no foul play involved. An autopsy and toxicology report are pending, with the incident being described as a “tragic accident.”
John and Kristen are survived by their three children: Kasurina, 19, and twins Sean and Aiden, who are 16.
In this difficult time, the family has turned to the community for assistance through a GoFundMe campaign.
‘We are all at a loss to navigate this unimaginable tragedy,’ they said. ‘But we are reaching out for support to help the Ruskey family with funeral costs, memorial arrangements, and to alleviate immediate financial pressure.’
The fundraiser has raised over $125,000, not far from its $140,000 goal at the time of this report.
John and Kristen were described as generous members of our community who were eager to support schools, causes, and friends, and as fiercely engaged parents.
John, who often went by Jay, founded his exotic fruit company, Good Land Organics, in 1992.
John and Kristen Ruskey, owners of the Good Land Organics and Frinj Coffee, died at a Cambria residence on February 8, their death does not appear suspicious, and foul play is likely not involved, said officials
The Ruskeys leave behind their three children, Kasurina, 19, and 16-year-olds Sean and Aiden
The company’s website calls itself a pioneer grower of rare fruits in California and a leader in the evolution of California as a coffee-growing region.
What was once just a branch of Good Land Organics became Frinj Coffee in 2018.
‘The name is a nod to our ability to grow coffee on the fringe of traditional producing regions.’
According to the Independent, the coffee company had to file for bankruptcy in January of 2024 before bouncing back in 2026 by being the first Californian coffee grower to compete in the Dubai Coffee Auction.
‘We got California coffee showcased as a world-class coffee with the best coffees in the world,’ John told the outlet in January.
‘Our washed Geisha stood out for flavor and cleanliness in the cup, and may have called it the best in the expo. We acquired some new interested buyers from other parts of the world who appreciate the coffee craftsmanship that we do at Frinj.’
Several went online to share their sympathies after learning about the heartbreaking death.
John, who often went by Jay, founded his exotic fruit company, Good Land Organics, in 1992, Frinj Coffee was founded in 2018 and was the first Californian coffee grower to compete in the Dubai Coffee Auction
‘Ash and I are shocked and profoundly saddened by the loss of Jay and Kristen Ruskey,’ wrote one. ‘They were very special people and have left a giant hole in us and in this community. Jay was my boss at Frinj Coffee, but before that, he was a mentor, a collaborator, and a friend.’
Another added: ‘We love the Ruskeys. Jay and Kristen were our friends, neighbors, and partners. We miss them with a crushing ache. They touched so many lives in this community – we know we’re not alone.’
A third wrote: ‘My friend Jay and his wife tragically passed away just a few days ago. They had three children. A great guy, a great dad, I’ve known him for 15 years- we met playing basketball, had many battles on the court, and great talks off it. I will miss him. If you can help, please do.’