Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra finalized her divorce shortly before being found dead on a yacht.

In the days preceding her tragic death aboard a yacht in Montauk, Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, 33, had recently completed an uncontested divorce from her husband, Sam Ryan, as documented in Manhattan Supreme Court filings. These records detail a separation agreement and a certificate of dissolution that formally ended their marriage.

Nolan-O’Slatarra, who relocated from Ireland to New York City in 2015, was reportedly moving forward with her life, having initiated a new romantic relationship. In the hours leading up to her untimely passing, she communicated with her boyfriend, indicating plans to return home by 1 a.m. However, she failed to arrive, leading to concerns about her well-being.

Her lifeless body was discovered on the morning of August 5, 2025, on a boat docked at the Montauk Yacht Club on Star Island Road. Good Samaritans at the scene attempted resuscitation through CPR until emergency responders arrived around midnight. Despite these efforts, she was pronounced dead on location.

Originally from Monacurragh, Ireland, Nolan-O’Slatarra had made a name for herself in New York’s fashion industry. She founded her brand, East x East, which focuses on sustainable swimwear and resort wear inspired by the aesthetic of The Hamptons. In 2022, she and her business partner, Dylan Grace, were named in a civil lawsuit by Out East Accessories, a luxury eyewear retailer in Manhattan. The lawsuit alleged that the duo had embezzled ,000 from the company and depleted its inventory, leading to a settlement in July 2022 that resulted in the dismissal of the case.

Authorities have indicated that a preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death has revealed no evidence of foul play or violence. Nonetheless, the investigation remains ongoing as officials seek to uncover the factors that led to this incident. As the community mourns, there are lingering questions about the events that transpired in the hours prior to Nolan-O’Slatarra’s tragic fate.

The unexpected loss of a rising entrepreneur has left many in shock, and her legacy in the fashion industry continues to evoke discussion. Nolan-O’Slatarra’s passing underscores the fragility of life and the complexities that accompany personal and professional transitions.