Jay and Kristen Ruskey Death, Obituary California

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Jay and Kristen Ruskey, pioneers of coffee farming in California, tragically lost their lives in an accident on Sunday, leaving behind three teenage children.

The couple, who co-founded Frinj Coffee and operated Good Land Organics in Goleta, were celebrated for their work in regenerative agriculture and for growing exotic crops like caviar limes and dragon fruit. They helped establish more than 70 coffee farms across Southern California, with their beans recently fetching $356 per kilogram at the Dubai Coffee Auction, sold to Phylocoffee in Japan. After overcoming early financial difficulties, Frinj Coffee had experienced a significant recovery in 2026.

Jay and Kristen were known as generous community members, contributing to local schools, charities, and families in need. Their sudden deaths have left the agricultural community of Santa Barbara County in shock.

A GoFundMe page has been created to support their three children through this challenging time, and donations are being accepted to assist with their immediate needs.