Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 14, 2025 · Entertainment

Mystery on the Waves: Glamorous Designer's Death on Hamptons 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

Bikini Bombshell's Tragic Death Rocks Hamptons Elite

In a shocking turn of events, the glamorous world of high-end fashion has been rocked by the tragic death of 33-year-old Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, founder of the coveted swimwear brand East x East. The Irish beauty was found lifeless on a luxury yacht in the exclusive Montauk Yacht Club on August 5th, sending shockwaves throughout the Hamptons social scene.

The investigation into her untimely demise has taken a dark and mysterious turn, with sources close to the case revealing that Martha likely succumbed to a suspected drug overdose - possibly of cocaine or other narcotics. The news has left her grief-stricken family reeling in Ireland, who have demanded a second post-mortem examination amidst claims of foul play.

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

According to insiders, Martha had traveled to the Montauk Yacht Club on the evening of August 4th for a meeting with insurance mogul Christopher Durnan, 60. The two were said to be business partners, with Durnan having invested over $200,000 in East x East. However, their high-stakes deal-making turned deadly when Durnan burst down the dock around midnight, screaming for help and pointing to Martha's lifeless body.

Eyewitnesses claim that bystanders rushed to the scene, attempting to revive Martha with CPR on board a boat named Ripple, but unfortunately, it was too late. First responders declared her dead at the scene, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.

As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Martha's death, sources reveal that a mysterious white powder was found scattered across a seat on the yacht, fueling speculation about the role of substance abuse in her tragic demise. The news has sent shockwaves through the Hamptons elite, with many of Martha's high-society friends and acquaintances left stunned and saddened by the loss.

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

Martha's family, who have flown from Ireland to the U.S. to bring their loved one home, are demanding answers about what really happened on that fateful night. With a second post-mortem examination pending, they hope to uncover any evidence of foul play or negligence that may have contributed to Martha's untimely death.

"We want to know the truth," her mother Elma Nolan told TheScholarlyNote.com in an emotional interview last week. "We just can't believe it happened like this. Our whole family is devastated."

Martha's boyfriend, 34-year-old Nicholas DiRubio, a handsome former college football player and sales executive, was out of town at the time of her death but has since released a statement saying he had no comment on the matter.

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

As investigators continue to dig deeper into the case, it remains to be seen what secrets will be uncovered about Martha's final hours. One thing is certain, however - the glamorous world of high-end fashion has lost one of its brightest stars in a tragic and untimely death that continues to spark outrage and speculation among those who knew her.

A Look Back at Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's Life

Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra was born and raised in Carlow, Ireland, where she grew up with big dreams and an ambitious spirit. She studied commerce at University College Dublin before completing a master's degree in digital marketing from the Smurfit Graduate School of Business.

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

After moving to the U.S. in 2015, Martha founded several successful companies, including East x East, her luxury swimwear label that quickly gained a cult following among fashionistas and celebrities alike. Her enviable lifestyle was showcased on social media, where she posted glamorous photos and updates about her private jet-set adventures with her boyfriend.

Martha's rise to fame was swift and impressive, but behind the scenes, she had faced challenges and setbacks in her personal life. In 2020, she finalized her uncontested divorce from ex-husband Sam Ryan, according to court documents filed in New York Supreme Court.

Now, as investigators work to unravel the mystery surrounding Martha's tragic death, one thing is clear - this talented young entrepreneur left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate those who knew her.

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

The Investigation Continues

As the investigation into Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's death continues, sources close to the case reveal that detectives are working around the clock to piece together the events leading up to her tragic demise. The Montauk Yacht Club has released a statement saying they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and remain committed to the safety and well-being of their guests and staff.

With a second post-mortem examination pending, Martha's family hopes to finally get some closure and answers about what really happened on that fateful night in August. As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain - this tragic case has sent shockwaves throughout the Hamptons elite, leaving many wondering if justice will be served for this talented young entrepreneur who left behind a legacy of glamour and sophistication.

Durnan, who founded Durnan Group in 1981, specialising in workers' compensation insurance, is the owner of Ripple, where the Martha was found, and a five-engine powerboat named Hell In a Bucket, both named after songs by the Grateful Dead

The Mysterious White Powder

Sources close to the investigation reveal that a mysterious white powder was found scattered across a seat on the yacht where Martha's body was discovered. The substance has yet to be identified, but its presence has raised suspicions about the role of substance abuse in her tragic demise.

As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Martha's death, one thing is clear - this case is far from over. With many questions still unanswered and a second post-mortem examination pending, the investigation into Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's death remains ongoing, and TheScholarlyNote.com will be providing updates as more information becomes available.

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

A Tribute to Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra

Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra was a true fashion iconoclast, known for her stunning designs and infectious personality. Her untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the Hamptons elite, leaving many of her friends and acquaintances stunned and saddened by the loss.

As the investigation into her death continues, Martha's family hopes to honor her memory by uncovering any evidence of foul play or negligence that may have contributed to her tragic demise. In a statement released last week, her mother Elma Nolan said: "We just want to know the truth about what happened to our daughter."

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

With this in mind, TheScholarlyNote.com will continue to provide updates on the investigation into Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's death, shedding light on any new developments or revelations that may arise. In memory of this talented young entrepreneur, we pay tribute to her legacy and hope for justice to be served in her case.

A Glimpse into Martha's Life

Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's rise to fame was swift and impressive. Born and raised in Ireland, she moved to the U.S. in 2015 to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful fashion designer. Her luxury swimwear label East x East quickly gained a cult following among fashionistas and celebrities alike.

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

In an interview with TheScholarlyNote.com last year, Martha spoke about her drive and ambition: "I was always driven by my passion for fashion and business. I knew that this industry would be tough, but I wanted to succeed at all costs."

With her enviable lifestyle showcased on social media, Martha's private jet-set adventures with her boyfriend left many in awe of her privileged existence. However, behind the scenes, she had faced challenges and setbacks in her personal life.

Martha's tragic death has sent shockwaves throughout the Hamptons elite, leaving many wondering what secrets will be uncovered about her final hours. As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding her demise, one thing is clear - this talented young entrepreneur left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate those who knew her.

Ambitious from a young age, she studied commerce at University College Dublin before completing a master's in digital marketing from the Smurfit Graduate School of Business

A Look at Martha's Business Dealings

Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's business dealings with insurance mogul Christopher Durnan have raised eyebrows in the wake of her tragic death. Sources close to the investigation reveal that Durnan had invested over $200,000 in East x East, and the two were said to be discussing further deals on the night of August 4th.

As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Martha's death, one thing is clear - this case has shed light on the dark underbelly of high-stakes deal-making among the Hamptons elite. With many questions still unanswered and a second post-mortem examination pending, TheScholarlyNote.com will be providing updates as more information becomes available.

A Final Goodbye

As we bid farewell to this talented young entrepreneur, it is clear that Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra's legacy will live on long after her tragic death. With her infectious personality and stunning designs, she left an indelible mark on the world of high-end fashion.

In a statement released by her family last week, they said: "Martha was more than just a daughter; she was our shining star. We are heartbroken to see her go."

As investigators continue to probe the circumstances surrounding Martha's death, one thing is clear - this case has sent shockwaves throughout the Hamptons elite, leaving many wondering what secrets will be uncovered about her final hours.

In memory of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, we pay tribute to her legacy and hope for justice to be served in her case.