On August 5, 2023, media reports confirmed the identity of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old swimsuit designer, who was found deceased on a boat at the Montauk Yacht Club. The Suffolk County Police Department confirmed her identity after a 911 call reported an unconscious body. Despite efforts to revive her through CPR, first responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Nolan-O’Slatarra was the founder of a clothing and accessories brand named East x East, and she had recently held a pop-up shop at Gurney’s, which expressed their sorrow over her unexpected death in a statement. The incident has since attracted media attention as more details about her life and the circumstances surrounding her death emerge.
Nolan-O’Slatarra hailed from Carlow, Ireland, and moved to New York where she fostered her entrepreneurial venture. Reports from Irish media indicate that she had recently filed for divorce from her husband, Sam Ryan. At the time of her death, she was reportedly in a relationship with a different person who was not present during the incident. Notably, she had communicated with this man earlier in the evening, stating her intent to return home via Uber by 1 a.m. and mentioning a business meeting, hinting at potential factors that contributed to her late-night activities.
The specifics surrounding where Nolan-O’Slatarra died are critical to understanding the case. She was found unconscious on a yacht docked at the Montauk Yacht Club, a location that typically attracts many visitors for recreation and leisure. The yacht itself, described as a 50-to-60-foot vessel, is currently under investigation, though the owner has not been publicly identified. The Montauk Yacht Club has issued a statement expressing sorrow over the event and revealing their cooperation with law enforcement, although further comments were not provided.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, with initial reports indicating inconclusive findings. An autopsy was conducted; however, investigators revealed that there was no evidence of foul play, leaving many questions unanswered about how and why she fell unconscious on the yacht. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances leading to her untimely death, and the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of a young entrepreneur.
The reaction to Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death extends beyond her immediate circle to a broader community that admired her creativity and ambition. Her pop-up at Gurney’s showcased her designs, and her innovative spirit was acknowledged within the local business environment. Friends and associates expressed their condolences and shock over her passing, highlighting the impact her work had on others and the creative community.
As the investigation unfolds, the mystery surrounding Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death prompts discussions about safety and health on leisure vessels, particularly in vibrant social environments like Montauk. In a society where such unfortunate incidents can attract media scrutiny, there is a call for transparency in investigations and support for those affected by similar tragedies. The loss of a life so young reminds everyone of the fragility of existence and the importance of community support in times of grief.
