The sudden demise of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a renowned swimwear designer based in Manhattan, at the luxurious Montauk Yacht Club, is currently under investigation as a potential accidental overdose, according to insider information. Nolan-O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old Irish national, was discovered unconscious on a boat named “Ripple” at the club around midnight on August 5. The boat is one of at least two vessels with Grateful Dead themes owned by insurance tycoon Christopher Durnan.
An autopsy is underway to establish the official cause of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, with initial suspicions pointing towards a drug overdose. The tragic incident has sparked a flurry of questions since the designer was found on the “Ripple,” which was moored at the Yacht Club. Club members reportedly heard screams and dialed 911 before attempting to revive Nolan-O’Slatarra, who was later declared dead.
Eyewitnesses reported being awakened by a naked man hurling sunscreen at their boat and shouting for help. Durnan, a 60-year-old regular at the club, owns the Durnan Group in Rockville Centre, which claims to manage 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 docked nearby and is also a tribute to the Grateful Dead.
Despite multiple 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 dismissed the possibility of foul play, even though there was no evidence 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. A source familiar with the investigation stated that all possibilities are being considered until certain scenarios can be ruled out.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, originally from the small Irish town of Carlow, moved to the US and began 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 affluent 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.