The family of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, a bikini designer found dead on a Montauk yacht last summer, has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit alleging assault. The suit, filed against Christopher Durnan, claims 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.
Nolan-O'Slatarra, an Irish designer who founded the resort wear label East x East and lived in New York City, was discovered unresponsive on the yacht in the early hours of Aug. 5, 2025. EMTs who arrived at the scene reported finding blood on her mouth, chest, and head, according to her family's attorney, Michael Bowe.
The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court, accuses Durnan of gross negligence and reckless conduct that allegedly led to Nolan-O’Slatarra's injuries and death. The family is seeking damages for wrongful death, personal injuries, and conscious pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages, interest, attorneys’ fees, and court costs. The filing also states that a default judgment of $50 million could be entered against Durnan if he fails to appear in the case.
Bowe stated that Durnan has not contacted Nolan-O’Slatarra's family and has made public comments that the family disputes. He added that the family has conducted its own investigation, including a second autopsy by a medical examiner, while awaiting evidence through the discovery process.
Nolan-O'Slatarra's family has experienced significant heartbreak and a year-long wait for answers regarding her death. Authorities have stated that the cause and manner of her death remain undetermined pending an autopsy, with the Suffolk County Homicide Squad leading the investigation.
Witnesses from other boats at the Montauk Yacht Club reported that a man, identified as the boat's owner, was seen seeking help around midnight. One witness described the man as naked and shouting for assistance while running along the dock. Nolan-O'Slatarra was reportedly in a new romantic relationship and had texted her boyfriend that she would be taking an "Uber home" after what was described as a business outing. Her boyfriend was not on board the yacht the night she died.