Designer’s Tragic Death on a Montauk Boat Sparks Investigation

A well-known New York City designer was discovered dead on a boat at the Montauk Yacht Club, just months after finalizing her divorce. Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, was found around midnight last Tuesday, with witnesses reporting a frantic scene involving a naked man begging for help.

According to police, Nolan-O’Slatarra’s body showed no signs of violence, but authorities have not dismissed the possibility of foul play and are currently investigating. Bystanders who heard screaming and saw the chaos attempted to revive her, but she was pronounced dead upon arrival of emergency services.

Described as studious and ambitious, Nolan-O’Slatarra held advanced degrees in business and digital marketing from Dublin institutions. Her career milestones included serving as vice president at an Irish retail marketing agency before launching her own fashion accessories business, East x East, and Duper, a swimwear brand.

Her success allowed her to spend summers in the Hamptons, blending her business pursuits with leisure. Just prior to her death, she was going through a divorce with her husband, Sam Ryan. Court records indicate their marriage ended in April, shortly before her body was found.

Recently, Nolan-O’Slatarra was involved in a legal dispute with Dylan Grace, with whom she co-owned fashion companies. They faced a 2022 lawsuit for allegedly stealing $34,000 from a luxury eyewear retailer and locking out the owners from the company’s accounts. The case was settled in July that year.

Eyewitnesses reported that the chaos unfolded shortly after midnight, with one describing how the boat owner was seen sprinting along the dock, nude, screaming for help, after the apparent incident. Authorities have not disclosed further details, and investigations continue.