Family of NYC Designer Files Wrongful Death Suit Over Montauk Boat Death

The family of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old fashion designer from New York City, is initiating legal action following her death last year. They intend to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Christopher Durnan, 61, with whom she was found on his boat docked at the Montauk Yacht Club.

The family filed a summons with notice against Durnan in Manhattan Supreme Court, accusing him of assault, gross negligence, and reckless and wanton conduct. They are seeking $50 million in damages. Durnan has not faced criminal charges related to Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death. A representative for the family stated that their independent investigation leads them to dispute the possibility of death by intoxicants. They cited EMT findings of blood in the deceased’s mouth, chest, and head, and noted the body was cold despite her allegedly having just lost consciousness.

Attorneys for Durnan have previously stated he was devastated by Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, describing him as having witnessed a friend die in trauma. The Suffolk County medical examiner has not yet released an official cause or manner of death, and the Suffolk County Police Department previously stated that an autopsy did not reveal evidence of violence, with the cause pending further examination. Police declined to comment on the divergence between their earlier statement and the family’s new allegations.

East Hampton Town police responded to a midnight call reporting an unconscious woman on the boat on the day she was pronounced dead. First responders attempted CPR before she was declared deceased. Nolan-O’Slatarra, originally from Ireland, was the owner of the swimwear company East x East and had spoken about her ambition to succeed in the fashion industry in New York.