A glamorous summer night in Montauk turned tragic when the vibrant life of NYC swimwear designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra came to an abrupt and shocking end aboard a luxury yacht.

The fashion world and Manhattan’s social circles were stunned on the night of August 5, 2025, when 33-year-old Irish designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unconscious aboard a high-end boat named “Ripple” at the Montauk Yacht Club.

Sources indicate that the incident is being investigated as a suspected accidental drug overdose, though an official autopsy is still pending.

The luxurious vessel, one of at least two Grateful Dead-themed crafts owned by insurance magnate Christopher Durnan, became the scene of frantic efforts to save Nolan-O’Slatarra, who was later pronounced dead.

Witnesses recounted screams and chaos as club members tried to resuscitate her before authorities arrived.

The young designer, who hailed from Carlow, Ireland, had made a name for herself in Manhattan after starting as a bottle service worker in SoHo.

She co-founded the swimwear label East x East alongside business partner Dylan Grace, quickly gaining recognition for her distinctive designs and entrepreneurial drive.

Grace posted a heartfelt tribute following her death, reflecting on the duo’s shared ambitions: “We dreamed big together, laughed harder than anyone else could understand and built so much from nothing. I’m truly blessed and grateful to have had you in my life.”

Friends and family painted a picture of a driven, creative, and resilient woman. Her mother, Elma Nolan, told reporters that she had been planning a trip home to Carlow before her sudden death.

“I don’t know what happened to my daughter. I feel numb and in shock,” she said. The tragedy struck only months after Nolan-O’Slatarra finalized her divorce from ex-husband Sam Ryan, adding a private dimension to her recent life upheavals.

Court filings confirm the divorce had been finalized shortly before her passing, though legal representatives declined to provide further details.

The Ripple, docked at a prime Montauk marina, was owned by Durnan, who has a reputation as a prominent figure in Long Island’s business and social scenes.

Alongside the Ripple, he also owns a second Grateful Dead-themed boat, “Hell in a Bucket,” a detail confirming his affinity for unique nautical aesthetics.

Sources describe Durnan as a familiar figure at the Yacht Club, though he has not responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

Authorities, including Suffolk County Police and the East End Drug Task Force, are investigating the circumstances surrounding Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death.

While there are no signs of foul play or evidence of violence, officials have not entirely ruled out other possibilities, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene during the early hours of August 5, including a man running down the dock in a panic, screaming, “Do something!” as the designer lay unresponsive.

Nolan-O’Slatarra’s career had been marked by a mix of ambition and artistic dedication. Her company, East x East, often hosted pop-up shows and fashion events in the Hamptons, attracting a wealthy clientele while establishing her reputation as a forward-thinking designer.

Those close to her noted that her path to success had been deliberate, requiring patience and resilience in the competitive fashion industry.

“I always knew I wanted to be successful, that I was money-driven, business-driven, and that fashion is a tough industry and it would be a slow road,” she reflected in a recent interview.

The designer’s sudden passing has sparked shock and grief across both Manhattan and Montauk, where she had established strong personal and professional ties.

Colleagues and friends continue to grapple with the sudden loss of a creative force whose life was marked by ambition, charm, and the ability to inspire those around her.

While the autopsy awaits, the Montauk Yacht Club and the surrounding Hamptons community remain the focus of intense public and media scrutiny.

Authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to that fateful night, leaving the tragedy shrouded in questions that only time and investigation may answer.

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra is remembered not only for her striking design work and entrepreneurial vision but also for her tenacity and the relationships she nurtured along the way—a life abruptly cut short amid an enigmatic and tragic setting.