Elma Nolan has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit in New York against yacht owner Christopher Durnan following the August 2025 death of her 33-year-old daughter, Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, at a Montauk yacht club, according to court documents filed on Tuesday.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in New York
The family of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra has initiated legal action in New York seeking $50 million in damages. According to court papers filed on Tuesday, Elma Nolan alleges gross negligence, reckless conduct, and assault by yacht owner Christopher Durnan.
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Co Carlow, Ireland, was found dead on August 5, 2025. The incident occurred aboard a yacht owned by Durnan at the Star Island Yacht Club in Montauk. In addition to the wrongful death claim, the legal filing seeks damages for personal injuries and conscious pain and suffering allegedly experienced before her death.
Did you know? Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra moved to the United States in 2015 and established East x East, a luxury designer sunglasses and swimwear brand.
Business Ties and the Investigation Timeline
US media reports indicate that Christopher Durnan was a significant investor in East x East. The two individuals were reportedly meeting for business discussions on the date of the incident.
Following the discovery, the Suffolk County Police Department initially stated that homicide detectives were investigating the death. However, police later clarified that a postmortem examination showed no evidence of violence, and authorities reported no indication of foul play.
Defense Response and Legal Stakes
Legal representation for the yacht owner has strongly disputed allegations of wrongdoing. Speaking to New York Magazine late last year, defense lawyer Robert Holdman stated that Durnan was “distraught” after the event and denied responsibility for the death.
According to Holdman, Durnan told police that the victim suddenly went limp between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, leading him to believe she was experiencing a heart attack. Holdman stated that Durnan sought help and attempted CPR once she lost consciousness.
If Durnan fails to engage with the proceedings, the plaintiff is seeking a default judgment of $50 million in damages alongside legal costs, or an amount to be determined subsequently by a New York court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who filed the lawsuit regarding Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death?
The legal proceedings were filed by the victim’s mother, Elma Nolan, in a New York court.
What are the primary allegations in the court papers?
The lawsuit alleges wrongful conduct, assault, gross negligence, and reckless and wanton conduct by yacht owner Christopher Durnan, alongside claims for conscious pain and suffering.
What financial damages are being sought?
The plaintiff is seeking a default sum of $50 million in damages and legal costs if the defendant fails to engage with the court.
What did the initial police investigation reveal?
While homicide detectives initially investigated, Suffolk County police stated that a postmortem examination showed no evidence of violence and no indication of foul play.
Stay Informed: Explore our archive for ongoing updates on legal proceedings and investigative reports. Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.