A Glittering Life Cut Short in East Hampton
The luxury and glamour of East Hampton were pierced by tragedy on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, when Martha Nolan O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old Irish fashion influencer and entrepreneur, was found dead aboard a yacht at the Montauk Yacht Club. Initial reports suggest a possible drug-related overdose, though an official cause awaits confirmation from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The scene was both surreal and devastating—a woman known for her elegance and success, suddenly gone, her story ending far too soon.
Authorities from the Suffolk County Police Department are meticulously piecing together the circumstances surrounding her death. While no signs of external violence were found in the preliminary autopsy, the possibility of foul play has not been ruled out. The yacht, once a symbol of leisure and escape, is now a focal point of a deepening investigation.
From Carlow to Manhattan: The Rise of a Style Icon
Born in Carlow, Ireland, Martha left for the United States at age 26, determined to make her mark. She settled in Manhattan, where she quickly rose as both a businesswoman and social media figure. Her brand, East x East, became synonymous with luxury swimwear and resort wear, reflecting her own penchant for sun-soaked travels and high-end living.
Her TikTok and Instagram feeds drew thousands of followers, each post a curated blend of exotic locales, designer outfits, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her entrepreneurial ventures. Yet behind the curated perfection, friends say, Martha faced personal struggles—most recently navigating the emotional aftermath of her divorce from Sam Ryan. Legal proceedings were still unfolding when the news of her death broke, casting a shadow over her final months.
An Unanswered Goodbye and a Mother’s Grief
The night of the tragedy, community members near the Montauk Yacht Club reported hearing distress calls. Emergency crews arrived swiftly, finding Martha unresponsive. Despite desperate CPR attempts, she could not be revived. For her mother, Elma Nolan, the news was incomprehensible—especially as Martha had been planning a trip back to Ireland. “I don’t understand… she was coming home,” Elma said, her words trembling with disbelief and sorrow.
The unanswered questions surrounding Martha’s final hours weigh heavily on her family, friends, and the fashion world she once illuminated. Her passing is a reminder of the fragility hidden behind fame’s polished façade, and of how swiftly the light of a vibrant life can be extinguished. As the investigation continues, her loved ones and admirers cling to memories of her talent, ambition, and radiant spirit—hoping for truth, but above all, mourning a life gone too soon.
