Woman in black blazer dress.
Share this @internewscast.com

THE investigation into the death of a young swimsuit designer on a luxury yacht has taken a turn as new light is shed on the case.

Following growing suspicions that 33-year-old Martha Nolan-O’Slattara’s death might be linked to a drug overdose, authorities have initiated a deeper investigation into the tragic event.

Woman in black blazer dress.
Martha Nolan-O’Slattara died at 33 on a luxury boat on August 5Credit: Social Media Collect
Christopher Durnan holding a guitar.
Christopher Durnan, 60, who owns the yachtthat Nolan died onCredit: Instagram
White powdery substance on a boat seat.
A white powdery substance was seen on the Ripple docked at the Montauk Yacht Club on August 6, the day after Nolan was found deadCredit: Shutterstock Editorial

Nolan, a successful entrepreneur based in Manhattan, was discovered deceased aboard a vessel moored at Montauk Yacht Club in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. She had been there for a meeting with insurance mogul Christopher Durnan.

At 60, Durnan was known at the upscale club and reportedly dashed for assistance from the dock after a 911 call was placed, indicating that Nolan had been found unconscious on the boat.

Good Samaritans performed CPR, but Nolan was pronounced dead after first responders arrived at the scene.

Her cause of death wasn’t immediately determined, but police said there was no evidence of violence on her body.

Speculation about drug involvement intensified as pictures of Durnan’s boat, Ripple, surfaced, showing what appeared to be a white powder on the seats after Nolan’s death.

In response, Suffolk County’s East End Drug Task Force has become involved in the probe, marking the first official link between drugs and Nolan’s demise, as reported by Newsday.

The task force is now analyzing whether drugs might have played a role in Nolan’s death.

Police are still waiting for toxicology results from the medical examiner, which could take several months to complete.

Nolan had informed her boyfriend, sales executive Nicholas DiRubio, according to the Daily Mail, that she would use an Uber to get home before 1 am after her discussion with Durnan, who was said to have invested more than $200,000 in her luxury swimwear brand, East x East.

Recent updates in the investigation come as bizarre new details have come to light about Durnan’s past.

Mystery Surrounds the Sudden Death of Fashion Designer Martha Nolan-O’Slattara in the Hamptons

The wealthy boat owner is a widowed dad of two adults who runs an insurance business that focuses on workers’ compensation insurance.

He owns a house in Montauk and another in Florida, but has an odd history in New York City, the Daily Mail recently reported.

LAWSUIT OVER ‘BITE ATTACK’

According to a 2022 lawsuit, a retired firefighter named Michael Balfe accused Durnan of attacking and biting him when the two got into a fight at a Webster Hall concert in September 2021.

Balfe claimed that the pair were both in the crowd watching The Bogmen perform when Durnan randomly “viciously attacked, bit and assaulted” him.

Timeline of Martha Nolan’s death

Young entreprenur Martha Nolan, 33, was found dead on a yacht in the Hamptons last Tuesday. Below is a timeline of her final days:

Tuesday, August 5

Just after midnight, East Hampton police respond to a 911 call from a man who found a woman unresponsive on a docked boat at the Montauk Yacht Club. Good Samaritans attempt CPR but first responders pronounce her dead at the scene.

Wednesday, August 6

An initial autopsy finds no evidence of violence. The woman is identified as Martha Nolan-O’Slattara.

Thursday, August 7

Nolan’s mom tells the Irish Independent that her family is “numb with shock.”

Tuesday, August 12

Suffolk County’s East End Drug Task Force joins the investigation into Nolan’s death.

He sued Durnan for battery and the Manhattan venue for negligence, claiming the security guards failed to protect him.

Durnan was then arrested on multiple misdemeanor charges, including possession of a controlled substance and assault.

He was handed one year of conditional discharge after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.

In response to the lawsuit, Durnan said that Balfe started it and he had only acted in “justifiable self-defense.”

The lawsuit was settled in December when everyone paid up.

Durnan hasn’t been connected to any wrongdoing connected to Nolan’s death.

Police still haven’t determined that there is any foul play in the case.

Photo of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra.
Nolan owned a high-end swimwear line called East x EastCredit: Instagram/@martha_nolan
Boat named "Ripple" docked at a marina.
The boat named Ripple was docked at Montauk Yacht Club in the Hamptons on the night Nolan diedCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Riverside Church responds to Pride flag vandalism with even more flags

Riverside Church Amplifies Support with Increased Pride Flags Following Vandalism Incident

On October 20, a distressing incident occurred at Riverside Church located at…
Shelters offer free adoptions at Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival this weekend

Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival: Free Adoptions This Weekend to Find Forever Homes for Pets

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) are…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Charlotte man charged with Iryna Zarutska’s killing could face death penalty

Charlotte Resident Faces Potential Death Penalty in Connection with Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

The heart-wrenching case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder has taken a significant legal…
Vladimir Kramnik: Former world chess champion may face discipline for treatment of Daniel Naroditsky

Controversy Strikes: Vladimir Kramnik’s Conduct Under Scrutiny in Daniel Naroditsky Dispute

On Wednesday, the global chess governing authority announced it is contemplating disciplinary…
New take on twisted '90s thriller 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle' stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Maika Monroe

Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Maika Monroe Lead Riveting Remake of 90s Thriller ‘The Hand that Rocks the Cradle

In Hollywood, a fresh reimagining of a classic thriller is making waves.…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
Kyoto hikes tourist tax by 900% amid overtourism surge

Kyoto Implements 900% Increase in Tourist Tax in Response to Overtourism Surge

Kyoto is set to significantly increase its accommodation fees starting March 2026,…
Wyoming Capitol bomb investigators focus on men seen in security video

Investigators Zero In on Individuals Captured in Security Footage in Wyoming Capitol Bomb Probe

Investigators in Wyoming are on the hunt for two individuals suspected of…
Former St. Johns fire chief wins lawsuit

Ex-St. Johns Fire Chief Triumphs in Landmark Legal Victory: What This Means for Firefighting Leadership

St. Johns County has agreed to a $500,000 settlement with its former…
Alaska pilot seeks SCOTUS relief in case in which three beer cases led to forfeiture of $95k plane

Alaska Pilot Appeals to Supreme Court Over $95K Plane Forfeiture Stemming from Three Beer Cases

An 82-year-old bush pilot from Alaska is taking his legal battle to…
Vermont police search for student who vanished from Middlebury College

Vermont Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Middlebury College Student

Authorities in Vermont have initiated an extensive search for a missing senior…