The unexpected death of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a prominent Manhattan-based swimwear designer, is currently being probed as a possible accidental overdose. Nolan-O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old native of Ireland, was found unconscious on a boat named “Ripple” at the upscale Montauk Yacht Club around midnight on August 5. The boat is one of two vessels themed after the Grateful Dead, owned by insurance magnate Christopher Durnan.
An autopsy is in progress to determine the official cause of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, with preliminary indications suggesting a drug overdose. The incident has raised a multitude of questions since the designer was discovered on the “Ripple,” which was docked at the Yacht Club. Club members reportedly heard cries for help and called 911 before attempting to resuscitate Nolan-O’Slatarra, who was later pronounced dead.
Witnesses reported being roused by a naked man throwing sunscreen at their boat and yelling for assistance. Durnan, a 60-year-old regular at the club, is the owner of the Durnan Group in Rockville Centre, which boasts of managing the “largest, most successful Workers Compensation Safety Group for Real Estate” on its website. He also owns a second boat, “Hell in a Bucket,” which was moored nearby and is also a homage to the Grateful Dead.
Despite numerous attempts, Durnan has not responded to requests for comment. Suffolk County police have not filed charges or identified any suspects in the case. However, they have not publicly ruled out the possibility of foul play, despite the absence of physical harm to the body.
The East End Drug Task Force of Suffolk County is also investigating Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, as reported by Newsday on Tuesday. An insider familiar with the investigation stated that all possibilities are being considered until certain scenarios can be excluded.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, originally from the small Irish town of Carlow, relocated to the US and started her career as a bottle service girl in SoHo before co-founding East x East, a swimwear brand. Her business partner at East x East, Dylan Grace, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram following her death.
Nolan-O’Slatarra spent her summers in the Hamptons, hosting successful pop-up shows and fashion exhibits for wealthy clients in Montauk and the surrounding area. She had recently finalized her divorce from ex-husband Sam Ryan, according to court records.
Nolan-O’Slatarra’s mother, Elma Nolan, expressed her shock and confusion to the Irish Independent on August 7, revealing that her daughter had planned a trip back home to Carlow before her untimely death.