The owner of the boat where fashion influencer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead in New York was reportedly involved in a clash with a 9/11 first responder.
The New York Post reports that Christopher Durnan, a 60-year-old business tycoon, allegedly bit Michael Balfe, who is a first responder from Ground Zero, during a concert in Manhattan on September 11, 2021.
In 2022, Balfe initiated a civil lawsuit, claiming he incurred significant and lasting injuries, experiencing ongoing physical and mental suffering.
Documents from the court, accessed by The Post, reveal that Durnan refuted the claims, asserting that his actions were justified given the situation.
Durnan was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, including attempted assault, harassment, and possession of a controlled substance.
The lawsuit was resolved in 2023, with Durnan admitting to disorderly conduct. Durnan’s lawyer, Darren Moore, informed The Post that no financial compensation was made by Durnan as part of the settlement.
As previously covered by CrimeOnline, a press release from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office stated that police were dispatched to the Montauk Yacht Club, located on Star Island Road, at midnight on August 5. This followed reports of a woman found “unconscious.”
The victim, Nolan-O’Slatarra, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Durnan had a business meeting with Nolan-O’Slatarra on the night she died. He also reportedly invested $200,000 in her brand.
Nolan-O’Slatarra was the East x East clothing brand founder and the director of operations for K IV Capital Management.
Witnesses said they spotted a naked man running from one of the boats while screaming on the night in question, throwing items at the other boats.
Sources on the other boats told 27East that the screaming man had been yelling,”Do something, do something.”
Witnesses reportedly said the man was Durnan. Public records identified him as the owner of the boat Nolan-O’Slatarra was found on, a cabin cruiser named “Ripple.”
A preliminary investigation showed no signs of foul play, and police said her cause of death is currently inconclusive. Sources reportedly suggested an accidental drug overdose, but officials have not confirmed this information.
Police have not specified whether Nolan-O’Slatarra has any known history of drug use.
Her family’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, said that loved ones “did not know her to be someone who used drugs.”
“They want more details,” he said. “The circumstances surrounding this are far from typical.”
“They would like to know anyone who was with Martha that evening. Earlier that evening, at the time of the actual incident, we know one person who was there. Was anyone else around?”
Police also have not named a suspect in the case.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Facebook]
