Key Highlights
- Mysterious death of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra at the Montauk Yacht Club captures international attention.
- No official cause of death announced by county police as investigation continues for nearly five months.
- Investor Christopher Durnan identified as the last person seen with Ms. Nolan-O’Slatarra, but his relationship to her remains unclear.
- Family and business associates provide accounts that add new details to the story, including a potentially traumatic incident witnessed by Mr. Durnan.
The Mysterious Death of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra at Montauk Yacht Club
Much like the crisp air and serene waters of Montauk, the mystery surrounding the death of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra on August 4, 2023, continues to captivate the public. Just past midnight on that fateful night, a naked man reportedly ran from his boat after performing CPR on what was believed to be a heart attack victim—only for her to be declared dead shortly thereafter.
The case has been shrouded in uncertainty since its inception, with Suffolk County police yet to provide an official cause of death nearly five months later. The search for answers has relied heavily on media reports and accounts from witnesses who were present that night.
Investigator Christopher Durnan’s Account
Christopher Durnan, a 60-year-old insurance executive, owned the boat where Nolan-O’Slatarra was found. According to an in-depth feature published by New York Magazine, Durnan met with Nolan-O’Slatarra at the Montauk Yacht Club around 7:30 p.m. on August 4th. They spent time aboard his fishing boat, Hell in a Bucket, before switching to another vessel called Ripple.
At approximately 10:30 or 11 p.m., Durnan said Nolan-O’Slatarra suddenly went limp, which he initially believed was a heart attack. He attempted CPR but found her nonresponsive almost immediately, leading to his frantic search for help.
The Business Venture and Its Struggles
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, was an entrepreneur with a promising business venture called East X East, which sold swimwear, sunglasses, and resort wear. The brand had recently opened a pop-up at Gurney’s Resort and Spa in Montauk before the incident occurred.
During her last meeting with Durnan, Nolan-O’Slatarra was discussing business matters on deck when she allegedly collapsed. The narrative provided by Durnan’s attorney, Robert Holdman, highlights a series of events that left his client traumatized and the family devastated.
Family and Business Perspective
The family, led by Nolan-O’Slatarra’s mother Elma Nolan from Ireland, expressed their shock and numbness over the loss. The county police had initially stated that no violent evidence was found during the autopsy. However, the final cause of death remains pending further examination.
Arthur Aidala, a New York criminal defense attorney representing the family since August, acknowledged Durnan as a primary suspect but emphasized the ongoing investigation and lack of definitive answers. “We are very pleased with the Suffolk County district attorney’s office—they are very focused on this,” he stated during an interview.
The case continues to be a source of frustration for the Nolan-O’Slatarra family, who wish for more clarity in what transpired that night at the Montauk Yacht Club. As the investigation drags on, the mystery surrounding Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s untimely death remains unsolved.
Final Update: A representative from the Suffolk County Police Department confirmed that their investigation is still ongoing and no new information has been made public as of December 31, 2025.
