The New York businessman who is believed to own the Montauk yacht where swimwear designer Martha Nolan was found dead on Aug. 5 was once accused of fighting – and biting – a former FDNY member at a tribute concert commemorating 20 years after the 9/11 terror attacks, according to a Manhattan lawsuit.
Christopher Durnan, a 60-year-old businessman said to be an investor in Nolan’s East x East brand, has owned a number of large pleasure boats and yachts over the years, public records show. Several of them have been named “Ripple” – the same name used on the boat where police found Nolan dead at the scene.
Durnan has not been charged with a crime or accused of wrongdoing in connection with Nolan’s death.
Former firefighter Michael Balfe accused Durnan of “viciously” attacking, biting and assaulting him at a Sept. 11, 2021 concert at Webster Hall in New York City. The lawsuit alleged that Balfe suffered serious injuries, both physically and mentally. The allegedly unprovoked attack caused permanent injuries, according to the lawsuit. Balfe also accused the venue of failing to maintain proper security.
Martha Nolan’s family met with Suffolk County Detectives as the investigation into the 33-year-old fashion entrepreneur enters its second week. (GoFundMe)
Balfe’s lawyer, Darren Moore, told the Post his client would not be commenting out of respect for Nolan’s family.
Both a preliminary scene investigation and subsequent autopsy could not determine Nolan’s cause of death, according to authorities.
A toxicology report is pending and could provide more answers.
Arthur Aidala, a prominent New York attorney retained by Nolan’s family, told Fox News Digital earlier this week that reporting that she may have died from a drug overdose was premature speculation.
Martha Nolan was found unresponsive on a boat in Montauk, New York, on Tuesday, August 5. The 33-year-old entrepreneur owned a resort wear company. (Martha Nolan/Instagram)
“The cause of Martha’s death is inconclusive and any reporting otherwise is mere speculation and irresponsible,” he said. “The family asks that you respect their privacy during this devastating tragedy. We are focused on honoring Martha’s legacy.”
Homicide detectives with the Suffolk County Police Department are investigating.
