NYC designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra's family fears she may have been unknowingly drugged before death

NYC designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead on a boat in Montauk on August 5, 2025. She was 33. Her family is looking for answers about the night she died.

Her family says they do not believe she was a person who indulged in substance abuse and fears she may have been unknowingly drugged.

Police are still looking into the case. The Suffolk County Police Department said detectives are doing a “deep dive” investigation. They are questioning people who may have been with Nolan-O’Slatarra that night. The case is still open, and no official cause of death has been confirmed.

Her lawyer, Arthur Aidala, spoke on behalf of her family. He said the family wants to know who saw her that night and what happened in the hours before she died.

“They would like to know anyone who was with Martha that evening,” Aidala said. “Earlier that evening, at the time of the actual incident, we know one person who was there. Was anyone else around?”

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra's family rejects overdose speculation

Maga Torch

@ChuanVu79

The death of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, a 33-year-old Irish immigrant and fashion entrepreneur, was found dead on a luxury yacht at the Montauk Yacht Club in Long Island, New York. It alarmed and worried the community that Key West and Lake Tahoe are peaceful places where wealth is on the rise.​Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra, originally from Carlow, Ireland, was found unconscious around midnight on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, on a 54-foot yacht called The Ripple, which was moored at the Montauk Yacht Club.​A man on board called 911, and boaters and nearby residents attempted CPR, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The Suffolk County Police Department, whose homicide unit is leading the investigation, reported that a preliminary autopsy revealed no signs of violence and that the cause of death has not been determined pending toxicology results, which could take several weeks.​Notably, a white powdery substance was found on tables and chairs on the yacht, although its connection to her death remains unclear. Witnesses reported hearing screams and banging near the dock late Monday night, and a man was seen running and screaming for help, possibly to warn others.​Despite these accounts, police have not indicated foul play and no arrests have been made. The investigation includes reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.​Nolan-O'Slatarra is the founder of East x East, a sustainable resortwear brand that specializes in swimwear, loungewear and vacation wear. She moved to New York from Ireland in 2015, building a successful career after working in marketing and launching her brand in 2021.​She recently hosted a pop-up event at Gurney's Montauk Resort in July 2025, showcasing her designs. Known for her vibrant social media presence, particularly on TikTok, she showcased a lavish lifestyle, frequently sharing content about her travels and her brand.​Her death has shocked the Montauk community and beyond, with tributes highlighting her warmth, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit. In Ireland, her family is receiving consular support, and public figures such as Prime Minister Micheál Martin have expressed their condolences, calling her a talented and creative woman.​The incident has sparked discussions about Montauk’s transformation from a close-knit fishing village to a hotbed of wealth and glamour, raising concerns about cultural changes driven by wealthy tourists and a culture of short-term rentals.​Places like Montauk are grappling with the influx of wealth and tourism, which some locals say is eroding the area’s traditional identity. Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, occurring against such a high-profile backdrop, has highlighted these tensions, as Montauk’s appeal as a peaceful retreat contrasts with its growing reputation as a playground for the wealthy.

According to a report published by NY Post on August 13, 2025, there has been public speculation that Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra may have died from a drug overdose. Her family strongly denies that idea.

“The family did not know her to be someone who used drugs,” Aidala said.

They believe the circumstances are unusual.

“The circumstances surrounding this are far from typical,” Aidala told reporters.

He added that the family fears she may have been unknowingly drugged. They are waiting for toxicology reports to confirm if any substances were in her system.

Aidala said the family is not making accusations at this time. They only want clear information about who was present and what took place before she was found.

“They want more details,” he said.

Aidala confirmed that “people are still being questioned” on the East End. One person who was with her that night has already been identified.

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Police continue interviews

According to a report published by NY Post on August 13, 2025, the Suffolk County Police said homicide detectives are continuing to question people.

The family has asked the police to find out if others may have been on or near the boat. They believe identifying all possible witnesses could help explain what happened. Police have not released names or specific details about the interviews.

The investigation could take time. Detectives are also reviewing security camera footage from the Montauk Yacht Club. They are checking for any sign of unusual activity before Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death.

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Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death remains under investigation. Her family is waiting for official results from the police and the medical examiner. They hope the toxicology tests and witness statements will provide clarity. Until then, they are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

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