Fashion Designer Found Dead on Yacht in Hamptons Amid Ongoing Divorce and Legal History

Martha Nolan, 33, who was found dead on a yacht in the early hours of August 5

Mystery surrounds the sudden death of Irish-born fashion designer Martha Nolan O’Slattara, who was discovered dead on a yacht in the Hamptons last Tuesday at the age of 33. The New York City entrepreneur, known for her luxury swimwear brand East x East, was found aboard a vessel docked at the upscale Montauk Yacht Club in East Hampton shortly after midnight, following a 911 call from a man on the scene.

The Ripple boat where Nolan was found dead last week

Witnesses reported seeing a naked man on the yacht shouting for help, claiming Nolan was unconscious. Authorities confirmed the man was not her estranged husband, Sam Ryan, from whom Nolan had filed for divorce earlier this year. Court filings show the divorce proceedings were active as recently as April 8.

At the time of her death, Nolan was in a relationship with another man and staying in Montauk for the summer. The boyfriend, who was not on the yacht, reportedly told friends the two planned to marry after visiting Ireland together last Christmas. According to a source close to the family, Nolan had told him she was attending a business meeting on the night she died and called later to say she would be taking an Uber home around 1 a.m. Moments later, the 911 call was placed by the yacht’s owner — a man in his 60s — who reportedly shouted, “That’s my girlfriend” while seeking help.

Nolan worked as a Manhattan-based fashion designer

Nolan’s glamorous public image was marked by private jets, luxury travel, and high-end fashion events, but she had faced legal troubles. In April 2022, she and East x East co-owner Dylan Grace were sued by Manhattan luxury sunglasses brand Out East Accessories. The lawsuit accused them of stealing $34,000 from the company’s bank account, taking its eyewear inventory, and locking the owners out of their accounts. Nolan denied all allegations, and the case was settled in June 2022 before being dismissed the following month.

Police have confirmed there were no signs of violence on Nolan’s body but have not ruled out foul play. The investigation into her death and the events leading up to it remains ongoing.

Nolan on a trip to Saint Barthélemy in a picture posted in February 2024