The family of fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra plans to file a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit accusing investor Christopher Durnan of causing her death through assault and negligence. The suit is slated to be filed in Manhattan civil court on the one-year anniversary of Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, according to a filing Tuesday.
Durnan, an insurance mogul and investor in Nolan-O’Slatarra’s swimwear company East x East, is accused of intentional and wrongful assault, gross negligence, and reckless conduct. The lawsuit contends these actions, individually or in combination, led to Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death.
Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead on August 5, 2025, aboard a boat owned by Durnan, which was docked at the Montauk Yacht Club. Police initially suggested an accidental drug overdose, but sources close to the family stated an independent autopsy found only trace amounts of cocaine and indicated assault as the cause of death.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, originally from Ireland, had moved to New York City a decade prior and was building a career as a fashion designer. Durnan had invested in her company, holding a 13% stake.
According to reports, Nolan-O’Slatarra met with Durnan on his boat, the Ripple, on the night of August 4, 2025, for a business meeting. Concerned friends attempted to contact her when she became unresponsive. She was found unconscious on the boat shortly after she had indicated her location to friends.
Residents near the yacht club reported hearing screams late that night. They described seeing a naked man, identified as Durnan, throwing sunscreen at other boats to awaken sleeping individuals. Bystanders attempted resuscitation, but Nolan-O’Slatarra was pronounced dead by first responders.
Authorities had been slow to release details regarding the case, with Suffolk County police previously denying Freedom of Information requests for autopsy and case documents, citing an ongoing investigation.