'Maybe She's Dead': Last Texts Haunt Dead NYC Designer's Family
When 33-year-old fashion entrepreneur Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, known professionally as Martha Nolan, traveled to the Montauk Yacht Club on Long Island on August 4, 2025, she was stepping into what would become a deeply unsettling chapter in her life story. What began as a business meeting to discuss the expansion of her swimwear brand, East x East, quickly spiraled into a mystery that has gripped the public's attention. Hours before her body was found unconscious aboard a docked yacht, her friends sent a chilling text reportedly joking, "maybe she's dead." This eerie message now serves as a haunting prelude to the tragic discovery that followed just after midnight on August 5.
The Meeting That Turned Mysterious
According to the New York Post, Martha Nolan was scheduled to meet with Christopher Durnan, a 60-year-old insurance executive and investor who owned a 13% stake in her company. The meeting, initially set for 4 p.m., was delayed by three hours, pushing the rendezvous into the late evening. Nolan and Durnan took one of his two vessels out to sea, where they reportedly watched the sunset and sipped champagne. Meanwhile, Nolan's business partner, Dylan Grace, was absent due to an overseas trip to Greece.
The yacht they boarded, named Ripple, was a 50-foot cabin cruiser adorned with Grateful Dead imagery, reportedly reflecting Durnan's fondness for the rock band. The Montauk Yacht Club itself is a storied location, known for its elite clientele and luxurious amenities, including tennis courts and pools. It has hosted some of the nation's most prominent figures, adding a layer of prestige — and intrigue — to the setting of this tragedy.
The Haunting Texts and Growing Concern
As the night wore on, Nolan's friends and boyfriend, Nicholas DiRubio, reportedly grew increasingly worried when she stopped responding to messages. They tracked her location to somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean and speculated on the reasons for her silence. One friend sent a text at 9:20 p.m. jokingly saying, "lmao. I'm sure her phone died. Or maybe she's dead," as reported by the New York Post, a message that now feels like a chilling foreshadowing rather than mere banter.
Nolan later replied saying, "Lol I'm at the yacht club now, my phone is on," as reported by the New York Post — police believe she likely died about an hour after sending that message. The discovery of her unconscious body on the Ripple came after nearby residents reported hearing screams late into the night. The scene was chaotic — Durnan was allegedy found running naked around the yacht club, throwing sunscreen at other boats in an apparent attempt to get attention.
A Death Shrouded in Mystery
Despite the dramatic circumstances, investigators found no signs of violence on Nolan's body, deepening the mystery. A powdery white substance was discovered near her, leading authorities to suspect an accidental overdose involving "designer drugs," as reported by the New York Post. However, the exact nature of the substance — whether heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, or a combination — remains unclear as toxicology results are still pending.
The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad is leading the investigation, questioning witnesses, and reportedly searching for drug dealers who may have sold the fatal substances. Prosecutors say they are considering "manslaughter or [criminally negligent] homicide charges" against those responsible for distributing the drugs, as reported by the New York Post.
Family Frustration and The Search For Answers
Nolan's family, represented by criminal defense attorney Arthur Aidala, has expressed frustration over the slow pace of the investigation and the lack of transparency. They have yet to see a full toxicology report or receive a definitive cause of death. Aidala has pushed back against speculation that Nolan was a drug user, emphasizing that she was not known to use drugs and saying, "Something doesn't make sense here," as reported by the New York Post. He added, "But we're hanging back and letting law enforcement do their job."
The family has reportedly demanded a second autopsy that includes comprehensive toxicology and histology tests, hoping to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death. Meanwhile, police have denied legal requests by The Post for public documents related to her autopsy and toxicology results, citing restrictions that limit disclosure to "specific entities," as reported by the New York Post.
The Woman Behind the Mystery
Martha Nolan was more than a fashion designer; she was a marketing consultant and entrepreneur who had built a promising brand. Originally from Carlow, Ireland, she moved to the US at 26 and launched East x East, a luxury swimwear and resort-wear label that gained traction in the Hamptons. She was known for her kindness and bright smile, traits remembered fondly by Montauk residents and yacht club members alike.
She spent her summers working on the East End, and just this summer, she celebrated a pop-up shop at Montauk's exclusive Gurney's Resort, and she was reportedly planning to return to Ireland soon. The sudden and mysterious nature of her death has left a void in the community and a trail of unanswered questions.
What Happened That Night?
The details of Nolan's final hours remain murky. She had told her boyfriend she would take an Uber home around 1 a.m., but instead, she was found dead on the yacht. The presence of Durnan, the investor, and his alleged erratic behavior — running naked on the dock and attempting to flag down help — adds layers of complexity to the case. Authorities continue to question those involved, but the full story has yet to emerge.
References: NYC designer Martha Nolan's friends sent haunting text message hours before her death at Montauk Yacht Club | NYC designer Martha Nolan ID'd as woman found dead on Montauk boat | Bikini Designer's Hamptons Yacht Death Deepens With Eerie New Details
