The family of Irish fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Christopher Durnan over her death aboard a yacht in Montauk, New York. The complaint alleges that Nolan-O’Slatarra was intentionally assaulted before she died, along with claims of gross negligence and reckless conduct. Authorities have not determined the cause or manner of death, and the homicide investigation remains ongoing.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, was found unresponsive aboard a docked yacht at the Star Island Yacht Club in the early hours of Aug. 5, 2025. Her family says it has conducted a separate investigation, including a second autopsy, while awaiting further evidence through the civil discovery process.
The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court by estate administrators Elma Geraldine Nolan and Marcello de Peralta. The allegations have not been proven in court, and a response from Durnan was not included in the filing.
| 1) | Family files a $50 million civil action |
| 2) | Allegations focus on events aboard the yacht |
| 3) | Investigation and autopsy findings remain incomplete |
| 4) | Nolan-O’Slatarra’s career and final hours |
| 5) | What the lawsuit seeks and what comes next |
Family files a $50 million civil action
The estate of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra filed the action against Christopher Durnan in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday, alleging that Durnan intentionally and wrongfully assaulted her aboard a vessel at the Star Island Yacht Club on or about Aug. 4 and Aug. 5, 2025. The filing seeks $50 million, although it states that the final amount could be set by the court.
The plaintiffs are Elma Geraldine Nolan and Marcello de Peralta, who filed as temporary administrators of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s estate. Attorney Michael Bowe is representing the family. He said the relatives have endured a year-long wait for answers following the death of the 33-year-old entrepreneur.
Allegations focus on events aboard the yacht
The complaint centers on what allegedly occurred aboard a yacht at the Montauk club during the night before Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead. It accuses Durnan of assault, gross negligence and reckless conduct that allegedly caused her injuries and death.
The filing does not provide a detailed account of the alleged assault or explain the sequence of events on the vessel. It also does not establish that the allegations are true. Durnan’s response was not included in the court filing, and his attorney had been contacted for comment.
Investigation and autopsy findings remain incomplete
Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unresponsive on a docked yacht in Montauk in the early hours of Aug. 5, 2025. Bystanders reportedly attempted CPR before she was pronounced dead aboard the vessel. Authorities have said that the cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending an autopsy.
The Suffolk County Homicide Squad is leading the investigation. Bowe said the family commissioned a second autopsy by a well-known medical examiner and gathered additional evidence. He said the family expects the civil discovery process to provide further material that can be presented in court.
Nolan-O’Slatarra’s career and final hours
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was born in Ireland and lived in New York City. She founded East x East, a boutique resort-wear company offering beach and summer clothing, including bikinis. She promoted the brand online through images and videos showing photo shoots and the design process.
According to accounts cited in the reporting surrounding her death, Nolan-O’Slatarra was in a new romantic relationship and had reportedly become engaged. Her boyfriend was not aboard the 54-foot SeaRay named Ripple on the night of her death. She had reportedly told him that she would use a ride service to travel home after what was described as a business outing.
What the lawsuit seeks and what comes next
The estate is seeking damages for wrongful death, personal injuries and the conscious pain and suffering Nolan-O’Slatarra allegedly experienced before she died. The complaint also requests punitive damages, interest, attorney fees and court costs.
The filing warns that if Christopher Durnan does not appear in the case, the court could enter a default judgment for $50 million or another amount determined later, together with additional fees and costs. The civil proceedings will develop separately from the criminal investigation, which remains unresolved.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The estate filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court. |
| 2 | The complaint alleges assault, gross negligence and reckless conduct aboard a Montauk yacht. |
| 3 | Authorities have not released a final cause or manner of death. |
| 4 | The family says it obtained a second autopsy and is pursuing additional evidence. |
Summary
The lawsuit adds a major civil proceeding to the unresolved investigation into Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death. It sets out serious allegations against Christopher Durnan, but the complaint does not detail the alleged assault and no final determination has been made regarding the cause or manner of death. Further court filings, discovery and investigative findings are expected to clarify the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the lawsuit?
Elma Geraldine Nolan and Marcello de Peralta filed the action as temporary administrators of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s estate.
What does the lawsuit allege?
The complaint alleges that Christopher Durnan assaulted Nolan-O’Slatarra aboard a yacht and that gross negligence and reckless conduct contributed to her injuries and death.
What is known about the official investigation?
The Suffolk County Homicide Squad is investigating. Authorities have said that the cause and manner of death remain undetermined, and autopsy results have not been released.
