Family of bikini designer in Montauk yacht death files $50M lawsuit alleging assault
The family of a bikini designer who was found dead on a Montauk yacht last summer has filed a $50 million lawsuit alleging assault in a case that rocked the wealthy summer hot spot."It's been very difficult for the family," said attorney Michael Bowe.He is representing Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra's family in their recently filed wrongful death lawsuit alleging she was assaulted before her death.Nolan-O’Slatarra was an Irish bikini designer living in New York City who was found dead aboard a luxury yacht in Montauk last summer.She founded East x East, a boutique resort wear label she frequently promoted through stylish behind-the-scenes glimpses of her photo shoots and design process.Left: Christopher Durnan, a Long Island businessman who was accused of fighting a former FDNY member and Ground Zero responder at a 9/11 tribute in 2021.
Right: Martha Nolan, an Ireland-born fashion designer whose company, East x East, offered men and women's beach and summer wear.(Christopher Durnan/Instagram, Martha Nolan/Instagram)IRISH BIKINI DESIGNER MARTHA NOLAN LAID TO REST IN IRELAND AS CAUSE OF DEATH REMAINS UNKNOWN"The EMTs, when they arrived, found blood in her mouth.
On her chest, on her head, and they believe behind her, behind her head," Bowe said.Bowe's team filed a summons with notice against Christopher Durnan in Manhattan Supreme Court on Tuesday.The filing alleges Durnan "intentionally and wrongfully assaulted" Nolan-O’Slatarra aboard a vessel at the Star Island Yacht Club on or about Aug.
4 and Aug.5, 2025.Bowe said Nolan-O’Slatarra's family has endured both unbearable heartbreak and a grueling, year-long wait for answers."They've conducted their own investigation.
We've been conducting our own investigation and it includes a second autopsy by the family by a well-renowned medical examiner, as well as other evidence that we have, some of which we've shared, some of we won't.And then obviously through the discovery process, we expect to secure all the evidence...