Here’s a 1,000-word investigative-style report in English with a highly dramatic headline, main headline, and subheadings, structured like an exclusive feature for a news outlet:
Tragedy in Montauk: Irish Bikini Designer Found Dead on Yacht Amid Divorce, Past Legal Turmoil, and Mysterious Final Hours
A Rising Star’s Life Cut Short
Montauk, New York — The glittering life of Irish swimwear designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra came to a sudden and tragic end in the early hours of August 5, 2025, when she was found dead aboard a yacht moored at the Montauk Yacht Club. Known for her luxury bikini brand East X East and a social media presence that radiated glamour, the 33-year-old had seemed poised for even greater success.
But behind the curated snapshots of her jet-set lifestyle, Nolan-O’Slatarra was navigating turbulent personal and professional waters — a recently finalized divorce, a prior business dispute that ended in a lawsuit, and a night out that would become her last.
Divorce Finalized Just Months Before Death
According to records from the New York County Supreme Court obtained by Fox News Digital, Nolan-O’Slatarra’s marriage to Sam Ryan officially ended on April 8, 2025, following an uncontested divorce. Court filings include a separation agreement, sworn affidavits from both parties, and a certificate of dissolution. The legal paperwork confirmed that the union had ended quietly — at least on paper — only months before her body was discovered.
The Night on the ‘Ripple’
Authorities say Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unresponsive aboard the Ripple, a 54-foot SeaRay yacht, around midnight. Witnesses described chaotic scenes on the dock, with the boat’s owner — a man in his 60s — reportedly running naked along the pier, shouting for help and throwing objects at nearby boats to rouse their occupants.
Despite frantic CPR attempts by good Samaritans, Nolan-O’Slatarra was pronounced dead at the scene. Her boyfriend, whom Irish media reported she was engaged to, was not with her that night. Text messages revealed she had told him she would “Uber home” after what was described as a business outing.
Witness Accounts Paint a Chaotic Scene
Boat owners docked nearby told local outlet 27East that the Ripple’s owner appeared distraught and incoherent, repeatedly yelling “Do something, do something” as he tried to alert others. One witness recalled the man even hurling a tube of sunscreen at a neighboring vessel in desperation.
The bizarre and unsettling details of that night have fueled speculation about what might have happened in the hours before Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death.
Past Legal Battles Over Business Dealings
The designer’s professional life had also been touched by controversy. In 2022, she was named in a civil lawsuit filed by Out East Accessories Inc., which accused her of being terminated “for cause” in 2021 and then stealing $34,000 from the company’s bank account along with its entire inventory of luxury eyewear. The complaint alleged she and an accomplice “ransacked Out East,” selling or gifting products without permission and causing severe financial harm.
Nolan-O’Slatarra denied all allegations, and the case was settled in July 2022 under confidential terms. The dismissal “with prejudice” ensured the matter was permanently closed.
From Hamptons Success to Sudden Silence
Earlier this summer, Nolan-O’Slatarra had been riding high on a career milestone: a coveted pop-up shop placement at Gurney’s Resort in the Hamptons, one of the region’s most exclusive shopping destinations. On social media, she shared behind-the-scenes footage of photo shoots, promotional events, and her vision for expanding East X East in the competitive swimwear market.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for Gurney’s said:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news regarding Martha Nolan and extend our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. While Martha was not an employee of Gurney’s, we were proud to host her pop-up and admired her entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision.”
A Town With a History of Tragedy
Montauk, a picturesque harbor town, has long been a playground for the wealthy and stylish. But in recent years, it has also witnessed its share of tragedies and high-profile incidents that have shaken its serene image. Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death has now been added to that list, leaving residents and visitors alike grappling with unanswered questions.
No Evidence of Violence, But Many Questions
Suffolk County authorities confirmed that an initial autopsy “did not show evidence of violence.” However, renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden told Fox News Digital that toxicology tests, expected within a week, would be critical in determining the cause of death.
As of Monday morning, Suffolk County Police said they had no further updates.
A Family in Shock
In Ireland, Nolan-O’Slatarra’s family is reeling. Her mother, Elma Nolan, told The Irish Independent she was “numb with shock” upon hearing the news. She recalled how her youngest daughter, Jacqui, arrived at the family’s home in Carlow on Tuesday night, crying and shaking, to deliver the devastating message.
Elma said she later spoke with a detective in Montauk but was told that, due to the ongoing investigation, no further details could be released. “We weren’t told anything about the circumstances,” she said, adding that Martha had planned to return to Ireland this week and had called just days earlier to arrange a ride from the airport. “That was the last time we spoke.”
Repatriation Efforts Underway
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is assisting the family in bringing Nolan-O’Slatarra’s remains back to Ireland. The process, according to Extra.ie, is already in motion, though the emotional toll is immeasurable.
An Unfinished Story
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s life was one of contrast — moments of professional triumph and public glamour interwoven with private struggles and unresolved controversies. Her sudden death, on a yacht in one of the most exclusive corners of America, leaves behind a swirl of grief, speculation, and unanswered questions.
As toxicology reports loom and investigators remain tight-lipped, one thing is certain: the story of the Irish designer who made waves in New York fashion — and whose life ended far too soon — is far from over.
