The Montauk yacht death case has taken a major legal turn, with the family of Irish bikini designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra filing a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court. The action claims Nolan-O’Slatarra was assaulted aboard a yacht at the Star Island Yacht Club last summer before she was found dead.
Attorney Michael Bowe, who represents the family, said the filing reflects the pain and uncertainty they have faced since her death. He said emergency responders found blood in her mouth, on her chest and head, and behind her head when they arrived. The lawsuit names Christopher Durnan and alleges he “intentionally and wrongfully assaulted” Nolan-O’Slatarra aboard a vessel on or about Aug. 4 and Aug. 5, 2025.
The complaint also accuses Durnan of gross negligence and reckless conduct that allegedly caused her injuries and death. It does not spell out what the alleged assault involved or describe what happened inside the yacht. The filing seeks damages for wrongful death, personal injuries and the conscious pain and suffering Nolan-O’Slatarra allegedly experienced before she died, along with punitive damages, interest, attorneys’ fees and court costs.
Bowe said the family has been conducting its own investigation while waiting for answers. He said that work includes a second autopsy by a well-regarded medical examiner and other evidence that could be used in court. He also said Durnan has not tried to contact the family, despite his public remarks. According to Bowe, the family reached out to him by phone and text, but those efforts were not answered.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, who was originally from Ireland and lived in New York City, founded East x East, a boutique resort wear label that she promoted on social media with behind-the-scenes looks at her photo shoots and design work. She was found dead aboard a docked yacht in the early hours of Aug. 5, 2025. Good Samaritans tried CPR, but she was pronounced dead on the vessel.
