Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was a bright talent in the fashion scene. She designed swimwear and founded a clothing and accessories company called East x East. Her unique style shone through, even with a special pop-up shop inside the well-known Gurney’s resort. Martha, originally from Carlow, Ireland, had moved to New York City, making a name for herself there.
Sadly, new details have come out about her sudden passing. On August 5, police confirmed her identity after finding a body on a boat. This happened at the Montauk Yacht Club, just after midnight. Martha was only 33 years old when she died.
Reports from ABC News say East Hampton police got a 911 call. It was about an unresponsive person found on the boat. Authorities shared that people at the scene tried to help Martha. They performed CPR. However, emergency teams later said she had passed away, according to NBC News.
The yacht where Martha was found was described by CBS as a vessel between 50 and 60 feet long. It was docked near Star Island Road. It is not clear who owns this boat. A spokesperson for the Montauk Yacht Club spoke about the incident at the time. They said the team was working with police on the ongoing investigation. They also stated their commitment to keeping guests and staff safe.
Who Was Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra?
Martha’s personal life was also facing changes. The Irish newspaper Sunday World reported that she had filed for divorce from her husband, Sam Ryan, earlier this year. The Irish Independent noted that Martha was in a new relationship. Her partner, it seems, was not on the boat with her when she died. The same outlet mentioned she had messaged this person that very night. She told him she would be home by Uber before 1 a.m. Sunday World added that she had also mentioned meeting someone about her business.
Cause of Death Still Unclear
The exact cause of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death remains a mystery. Authorities told NBC News that the initial investigation and examination did not give a clear answer. Police said her autopsy “did not show evidence of violence.” More tests are needed to find out exactly why Martha died.
Martha’s family is now searching for answers. Their lawyer, Arthur Aidala, spoke to The New York Post. He said the family is still trying to get “details.” Aidala noted that the "circumstances around this are far from typical." He added that they want to know who was with Martha that night. He mentioned that one person was known to be there at the time of the incident. The family wonders if anyone else was nearby. Aidala also said that Martha’s family "had no knowledge of her using drugs."
During a press conference, Aidala confirmed that people are still being questioned. He said Martha’s family has met with homicide detectives from Suffolk County. These detectives are doing a thorough and deep investigation. Aidala also stressed that the family is very worried Martha might have unknowingly taken some kind of drug. He stated, “If there was any type of drug or drug use, they want to know. Who is consuming them?”
Gurney’s, where Martha’s East x East pop-up was located, released a statement to Vanity Fair. They expressed their sorrow: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news about Martha Nolan and send our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. While Martha was not an employee of Gurney’s, we were proud to host her East x East pop-up and admired her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision.”
The investigation continues as Martha’s loved ones seek closure and a full understanding of what happened on that boat.