Irish Designer Found Dead on New York Yacht
Tragic Discovery in Montauk Amidst Unexplained Circumstances
A talented Irish designer and entrepreneur, Martha Nolan-O’ Slatarra, aged 33, was discovered unresponsive on a yacht at the prestigious Montauk Yacht Club. The circumstances surrounding her death are currently under investigation, with preliminary examinations yielding inconclusive results.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Originally from Monacurragh, near Carlow town, **Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra** had relocated to the United States nine years ago. She achieved significant success in the fashion industry, establishing herself as a designer of luxury loungewear and swimwear. Her brand, East x East, catered to both men and women, offering high-end resort wear. She also held a directorial role at investment firm K4 Capital and managed another fashion brand, Duper.
Friends remember **Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra** as a vibrant and determined individual. A local woman who knew her from childhood commented, “Martha was always smiling and a very personable person. She was a determined young girl even back then and so many people admired her.”
Investigation Underway
Suffolk County Police reported that a postmortem examination did not reveal any signs of violence, but the final cause of death awaits further analysis. The discovery was made in the early hours of Tuesday morning. A man found **Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra** unconscious on the vessel and called for assistance. Reports indicate that individuals on a nearby boat attempted to administer CPR before emergency services arrived and pronounced her deceased at the scene.
Consular Assistance Provided
The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed its awareness of the situation and is offering consular support to the family. **Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra** was reportedly planning a visit to her family in Ireland this week. Her mother, **Eleanor “Elma” Nolan**, and aunt, **Jacqui**, are understood to be traveling to New York.
Tributes Pour In
Business partner **Dylan Grace**, based in Brooklyn, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “We dreamed big together, laughed harder than anyone else could understand, and built so much from nothing. I’m truly blessed and grateful to have had you in my life. Love you so much Mar. Fly high girl.”
Former Carlow mayor **Fergal Browne** expressed his condolences, stating, “My sympathies are with the entire family. The death of a young woman with her life cut short and who did have years ahead of her makes this so heartbreaking.”
He further noted, “Martha is from a long established and highly respected farming family. It is so devastating for them all.”
The fashion industry has been significantly impacted by the loss of creative talent. In 2023, the global fashion industry was valued at approximately $1.7 trillion, highlighting the economic and cultural influence of individuals like **Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra** within this sector (Statista, 2024).
