A 33‑year‑old Manhattan fashion designer was discovered unconscious aboard a docked yacht at Montauk Yacht Club on August 5, and authorities remain unable to identify the cause of death.
At a Glance
- The woman was identified on August 6 as Martha Nolan‑O’Slatarra, originally from Carlow, Ireland.
- The body was found at approximately midnight on August 5 aboard a boat at the Montauk Yacht Club in Long Island.
- Good‑Samaritan bystanders performed CPR before first responders arrived; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
- Initial examination and investigation yielded no clear cause of death; an autopsy is pending at the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Suffolk County Homicide Squad investigators are leading the inquiry; witnesses reported hearing screams from the docks late Monday night.
Incident Overview
On August 5, 2025, just after midnight, East Hampton Town Police responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious woman on a vessel docked at the Montauk Yacht Club. Bystanders attempted CPR before first responders arrived, but the woman was pronounced dead on site.
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The victim was later identified as Martha Nolan‑O’Slatarra, a 33‑year‑old fashion designer and entrepreneur based in Manhattan. Originally from Carlow, Ireland, she had moved to New York in 2015 and founded the resortwear brand East x East, which recently held a pop‑up at Gurney’s Montauk Resort.
Investigation Status
Suffolk County authorities have ruled that a preliminary examination did not determine the cause or manner of death. An autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office has been scheduled but has not yet produced findings. The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad is leading the investigation. Detectives are interviewing witnesses, reviewing digital records, and assessing the scene aboard the boat, reportedly securing it to prevent disturbance.
Witnesses, including Montauk Yacht Club members and boat captains, reported hearing screams from the docks late on August 4, shortly before Nolan‑O’Slatarra’s body was discovered. One bystander described seeing the boat’s owner running onto the dock, exclaiming, “That’s my girlfriend.”
Background on Nolan‑O’Slatarra
Martha Nolan‑O’Slatarra was known for her fashion brand East x East, which she promoted via social media, often showcasing her presence in the Hamptons summer scene during pop‑ups and events. She was recognized by community members at the Montauk Yacht Club as friendly and well‑known locally.
Next Steps
An autopsy is expected to clarify the cause and manner of death. Meanwhile, investigators are reviewing witness testimony, security footage, phone records, and the boat’s movements. Members of the public with information have been asked to contact Suffolk County detectives.
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