Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 15, 2025 · Entertainment

Glamour and Tragedy: Mysterious Death of Bikini Designer on New York Yacht

Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, 33, the founder of swimwear brand East x East, was found unresponsive aboard a ritzy yacht in Montauk on August 5 before being declared dead at the scene

SHOCKING TWIST IN MARATHA NOLAN-O'SLATAIRA'S DEATH: BRAIN CANCER CLAIMS UNDER INVESTIGATION

In a stunning turn of events, detectives are now probing claims that glamorous bikini designer Martha Nolan-O'Slataira, 33, was suffering from brain cancer at the time of her mysterious death on a luxurious New York yacht. The revelation comes as a bombshell to the fashionista's family and friends, who had been led to believe she was perfectly healthy.

Martha's lifeless body was discovered on board the ritzy Hamptons yacht Ripple on August 4, after she met with American insurance tycoon Christopher Durnan at the Montauk Yacht Club. The meeting was said to be a business discussion, but insiders claim that Martha had been struggling financially and was in dire need of an investment.

Martha's Irish relatives have spoken of their devastation and disbelief that she failed to get home safely

As police launched their investigation into her death, they revealed that the initial post-mortem examination did not show any signs of violence or foul play. However, sources close to the case told thescholarlynote.com that toxicology reports suggest a possible drug overdose may have been the cause of her demise. Cocaine and other narcotics are being scrutinized as potential contributors to her tragic passing.

The discovery of a mysterious white powder on the yacht's seat has sent shockwaves through Martha's social circle, with many speculating about her final hours. Was she under pressure from her business partner or did she succumb to addiction? Theories abound in this high-profile case, which has captivated the nation's attention.

Martha's family, who flew in from Ireland for a second-opinion autopsy, are still reeling from the news of their loved one's untimely passing. Her mother, Elma Nolan, was said to be "numb and in shock" after learning about her daughter's alleged brain cancer diagnosis. When questioned by detectives, Elma vehemently denied the claims, stating that Martha had been "perfectly healthy."

Daily Mail can reveal Nolan-O'Slattara had met insurance mogul Christopher Durnan aboard his boat for a late night business meeting when she suddenly passed out

"We were shocked and devastated when we heard about the allegations of brain cancer," a family friend revealed to thescholarlynote.com. "Martha was always so full of life, and it's hard for us to accept that she might have been suffering from such a serious illness without our knowledge."

Christopher Durnan, the American insurance mogul who met with Martha on the fateful evening, has remained tight-lipped about his involvement in her death. The 60-year-old widower is said to have invested over $200,000 in Martha's luxury swimwear label, East x East.

Durnan's personal life has also been thrust into the spotlight, as it emerges that he split his time between a lavish mansion in Long Beach, New York, and an equally opulent residence in Lantana, Florida. His late wife, Marie Durnan, passed away suddenly in 2018 at the age of 49.

As of Monday this week, Ripple was no longer moored at its slip at the exclusive Montauk Yacht Club

Martha's boyfriend, Nicholas DiRubio, has also come under scrutiny, with sources claiming that he was out of town when Martha died. When contacted by phone, DiRubio broke down in tears before declining to comment further.

The investigation into Martha's death is ongoing, with Suffolk County homicide detectives working tirelessly to unravel the mystery surrounding her final hours. The autopsy report will take at least three months to conclude, but one thing is certain – this tragic case has left a ripple effect throughout the fashion world and beyond.

As the nation continues to follow the developments in this shocking case, one question remains: what really happened on that fateful yacht? Was it a case of accidental overdose or something more sinister? The search for answers will continue until justice is served, but for now, Martha's family and friends can only hold onto memories of her vibrant life and try to make sense of the devastating events that unfolded.

One boater at the scene described Durnan's vessel, Ripple, as a 'party boat' and told Daily Mail that she heard screams when the body was discovered

A Timeline of Events

  • August 4: Martha Nolan-O'Slataira meets with Christopher Durnan at the Montauk Yacht Club.
  • Midnight: Bystanders call 911 after Christopher Durnan screams for help, indicating that Martha has passed out on board the yacht Ripple.
  • August 5: First responders declare Martha dead at the scene.
  • August 6: An initial post-mortem examination fails to show evidence of violence or foul play.
  • August 7-10: Detectives question Martha's family and friends about her health, with claims emerging that she may have had brain cancer.
  • August 11: A second-opinion autopsy is ordered by Martha's family.
  • Present day: The investigation continues, with toxicology reports suggesting a possible drug overdose.

Self-made entrepreneur Martha grew up in Carlow, Ireland before moving to New York and creating a jet-setting life of luxury for herself that's often associated with Manhattan's elite

Photographs taken the next morning revealed a dusting of mysterious white powder across a seat inside the 50ft cabin-cruiser

The fashion designer had recently celebrated the opening of her East x East popup shop at Gurney's Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa

Bystanders dialed 911 and clambered on board the boat named Ripple to try and perform CPR on the self-made entrepreneur, but she was declared dead at the scene by first responders

Nolan-O'Slatarra was previously revealed to have been in the middle of uncontested divorce proceedings from her husband but she had been dating boyfriend 34-year-old sales exec Nicholas DiRubio

Daily Mail can reveal Nolan-O'Slattara had met insurance mogul Christopher Durnan aboard his boat for a late night business meeting when she suddenly passed out