MONTAUK, N.Y. – Authorities are investigating the death of a New York City fashion designer who was discovered unresponsive aboard a yacht docked at the Montauk Yacht Club earlier this week.
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, was found unconscious shortly after midnight on Tuesday, August 5, aboard The Ripple, a 54-foot cabin cruiser moored at the marina. A man on board placed a 911 call, prompting nearby boaters and dockside residents to attempt CPR before emergency crews arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing screams and banging in the area around the time of the incident. Several residents described seeing a man running along the dock calling for help.
Suffolk County Police said a preliminary examination and autopsy revealed no signs of violence. The cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending further investigation and toxicology results, which could take weeks. Detectives from the department’s homicide squad are overseeing the case. Law enforcement sources confirmed that evidence was collected from the vessel, including a white powdery substance found on a table and seats aboard.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, originally from Carlow, Ireland, had been living in Manhattan and was the founder of East x East, a sustainable resort-wear brand offering swimwear, sunglasses, and vacation apparel. She had recently celebrated a pop-up event at Gurney’s Montauk Resort in July, an achievement she highlighted in her final social media posts.
Known for her entrepreneurial drive and vibrant presence on TikTok, Nolan-O’Slatarra built her brand after moving to New York in 2015, following studies in commerce and digital marketing. Her work included roles at Brand Growth Consultants and K4 Capital Management before launching her own fashion label.
Her death has drawn condolences from both the Montauk community and in Ireland, where her family is receiving consular support from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Friends and colleagues have remembered her as a talented and ambitious young designer whose career was on the rise.
The investigation remains active as authorities await toxicology findings to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Top Questions & Answers: Death of Fashion Designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra
Q: Who was Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra?
A: She was a 33-year-old fashion designer originally from Carlow, Ireland, living in Manhattan. She was the founder of the sustainable resort-wear brand East x East and was active on TikTok showcasing her work and travels.
Q: When and where was she found?
A: She was discovered unresponsive aboard The Ripple, a 54-foot yacht docked at the Montauk Yacht Club, shortly after midnight on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
Q: How was she found?
A: A man on the yacht called 911 after finding her unconscious. Nearby residents and boaters attempted CPR before emergency responders arrived, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Q: Were there any signs of foul play?
A: A preliminary autopsy revealed no signs of violence. The official cause and manner of death have not yet been determined pending toxicology results.
Q: What evidence was collected?
A: Police processed the vessel for evidence and reportedly found a white powdery substance on a table and seating area.
Q: Who is handling the investigation?
A: The case is being investigated by the Suffolk County Police Department’s homicide squad.
Q: What was she doing in Montauk?
A: She had recently celebrated a brand pop-up event at Gurney’s Montauk Resort in July and appeared to be spending time in the area following the event.
Q: How has her death impacted the community?
A: Tributes have poured in from both Montauk and Ireland, where her family is receiving support from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. She is remembered as an ambitious and talented young entrepreneur.
