The family of Irish fashion entrepreneur Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit alleging that Christopher Durnan assaulted her aboard a yacht in Montauk in August 2025. Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, was found unresponsive on the docked vessel at the Star Island Yacht Club and was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the cause or manner of death, and the homicide investigation remains ongoing. The civil filing seeks damages for wrongful death, alleged personal injuries, conscious pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
| 1) | Family files a $50 million civil action |
| 2) | Allegations focus on events aboard the yacht |
| 3) | Investigation and autopsy findings remain unresolved |
| 4) | Nolan-O’Slatarra’s career and final hours |
| 5) | What the lawsuit could require next |
Family files a $50 million civil action
The summons with notice was filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday by Elma Geraldine Nolan and Marcello de Peralta, who are acting as temporary administrators of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s estate. The filing names Christopher Durnan and alleges that he intentionally and wrongfully assaulted Nolan-O’Slatarra aboard a vessel at the Star Island Yacht Club on or about Aug. 4 and Aug. 5, 2025.
The family’s attorney, Michael Bowe, said relatives had endured a year-long wait for answers while pursuing their own investigation. The complaint seeks $50 million, or another amount determined by the court, along with interest, legal fees, court costs, and punitive damages.
Allegations focus on events aboard the yacht
The lawsuit alleges gross negligence and reckless conduct caused Nolan-O’Slatarra’s injuries and death. It does not provide a detailed description of the alleged assault or explain precisely what occurred aboard the yacht, leaving those issues to potential discovery and further court proceedings.
According to Michael Bowe, emergency medical personnel found blood in Nolan-O’Slatarra’s mouth, on her chest, and on her head. Those assertions are part of the family’s account and have not resolved the official determination of how she died. The response of Christopher Durnan was not included in the filing, and his lawyer was contacted for comment.
Investigation and autopsy findings remain unresolved
Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unresponsive in the early hours of Aug. 5, 2025, aboard a docked 54-foot SeaRay named Ripple. Good Samaritans attempted CPR before she was pronounced dead on the yacht in Montauk, New York.
Authorities have said the cause and manner of death remain undetermined pending an autopsy. The Suffolk County Homicide Squad is leading the investigation, while autopsy results have not been publicly released. The family has also obtained a second autopsy from a well-known medical examiner, according to Michael Bowe, and expects additional evidence to be examined through the civil discovery process.
Nolan-O’Slatarra’s career and final hours
Nolan-O’Slatarra was originally from Ireland and lived in New York City. She founded East x East, a boutique resort wear company offering beach and summer clothing, and promoted the label through social media posts about photo shoots and the design process.
She had reportedly been in a new romantic relationship and was believed to be engaged. Her boyfriend was not aboard the yacht that night, and she reportedly texted him that she would take an Uber home after what had been described as a business outing. Reports from people at the marina also described a man seeking help on the dock shortly before authorities arrived, although those accounts do not establish the cause of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death.
What the lawsuit could require next
The civil case will now depend on service of the filing, any response from Christopher Durnan, and the exchange of evidence. If he fails to appear, the lawsuit says the family could seek a default judgment for $50 million plus additional fees and costs, subject to the court’s decision.
Michael Bowe said the family had attempted to contact Durnan by phone and text but had not received a response. The allegations remain claims in a civil lawsuit, while the criminal investigation and official findings concerning Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death remain pending.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The family filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Christopher Durnan. |
| 2 | The filing alleges assault, gross negligence, and reckless conduct aboard a Montauk yacht. |
| 3 | Authorities have not determined the cause or manner of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death. |
Summary
The lawsuit adds a major civil proceeding to the continuing investigation into Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death aboard a Montauk yacht. Her family alleges that Christopher Durnan assaulted her and acted negligently, but the filing does not detail the alleged incident. With official autopsy findings still unreleased, the next stages will include responses from the defendant, evidence gathering, and continued law enforcement review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the lawsuit?
Elma Geraldine Nolan and Marcello de Peralta filed the action as temporary administrators of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s estate.
What does the lawsuit allege?
It alleges that Christopher Durnan assaulted Nolan-O’Slatarra and that gross negligence and reckless conduct caused her injuries and death.
What is known about the official investigation?
The Suffolk County Homicide Squad is investigating. Authorities have said the cause and manner of death remain undetermined, and autopsy results have not been released.
