Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra family files $50M wrongful death suit against investor Christopher Durnan

The family of Irish‑born fashion designer Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra is preparing a $50 million wrongful‑death lawsuit in New York Supreme Court. The filing accuses investor Christopher Durnan, owner of the luxury yacht Ripple, of assault, gross negligence, recklessness and wanton conduct that they say led to Nolan-O'Slatarra’s death aboard the yacht in Montauk on the night of August 4‑5, 2025.

Nolan-O'Slatarra, 33, was the founder of the swimwear label East x East and had met Durnan to discuss a business partnership. Witnesses reported Durnan running naked along the dock and shouting for help after the designer became unresponsive. An initial post‑mortem found no violence, but an independent autopsy commissioned by the family suggested an assault may have played a role. Durnan’s attorney denies any wrongdoing, and the investigation remains open.