by Montauk, New York – More than three months after 33-year-old Manhattan fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead aboard a boat at the upscale Montauk Yacht Club, her family says they remain without critical answers regarding how she died.
Despite early police speculation that her death may have been caused by an overdose, the case has stalled, and investigators have yet to release autopsy or toxicology findings that could confirm or disprove that theory.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, Nolan-O’Slatarra was discovered unresponsive on a boat docked at the luxury marina on August 5. Police said there were no signs of violence, and a white powdery substance was located nearby — but beyond that initial description, virtually no official details have been made public.
Police Have Withheld Autopsy and Toxicology Results
In an unusual move, the department denied a legal request for documents related to Nolan-O’Slatarra’s autopsy and toxicology report, claiming the materials were “restricted to specific entities.” This refusal has only intensified the family’s frustration.
Arthur L. Aidala, an attorney representing the designer’s relatives, says the family has received no cause of death and no access to full toxicology results.
“It’s frustrating,” Aidala told. “But we know the effort is being made by the DA’s office to do what needs to be done to cross every ‘t’ and dot every ‘i’ to get to the bottom of this.”
Still, he pushed back against the overdose narrative that police initially floated, noting that Nolan-O’Slatarra was not known to use drugs and that speculation about substance abuse does not align with what her loved ones know about her.
“Something doesn’t make sense here,” he said.
Final Hours Remain Shrouded in Uncertainty
Authorities have released only a limited timeline of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s final hours, leaving significant unanswered questions. Police confirmed that she was found unresponsive aboard a boat named “The Ripple,” moored at the prestigious Montauk Yacht Club. Neighbors reported hearing screams late that night, intensifying public concern about what may have led to her death.
The boat belonged to 60-year-old Chris Durnan, a well-known local figure who owns another vessel, “Hell In A Bucket,” kept at the same dock. Public records indicate that Durnan was present at the marina on the night Nolan-O’Slatarra died — and that he met with her earlier that evening.
Business Meeting Preceded the Designer’s Death
According to New York Magazine, Nolan-O’Slatarra was at the yacht club to meet with Durnan regarding the expansion of East x East, her swimwear brand. Durnan holds a 13% ownership stake in the company and had recently offered to discuss additional investment.
In a text message obtained by the outlet, Durnan wrote:
“If you guys are looking for more money, let’s sit down and talk about it.”
Later that night, witnesses told reporters that Durnan was seen behaving erratically around the marina. According to eyewitness accounts, he was reportedly running around the yacht club naked, yelling, and throwing sunscreen at nearby boats in an attempt to get attention.
Durnan, who owns and operates The Durnan Group, an insurance company in Rockville Centre, has not publicly commented on the event. Police have not named him a suspect or a person of interest, nor have they suggested any foul play — though the lack of disclosure about toxicology and autopsy findings has fueled speculation.
Family Waiting for Clarity
As months pass with no definitive explanation, Nolan-O’Slatarra’s family says the uncertainty has deepened their grief. They insist they are not assigning blame but want transparency from law enforcement and access to all medical findings.
Aidala emphasized that the family is cooperating with investigators while awaiting a thorough and accurate determination of what caused the designer’s death.
For now, they can only wait — hoping that the toxicology, autopsy, and related investigative work will soon provide clarity.
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