A deep sense of sorrow has descended upon Montauk’s elite Star Island community following the heartbreaking discovery of 33-year-old fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slattara, who was found dead early Monday morning aboard a boat docked at the prestigious Montauk Yacht Club. Originally from Ireland and living in Manhattan, Martha was a rising figure in the fashion world, widely admired for her creativity, charisma, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her sudden and tragic death has left both the fashion industry and the Hamptons community in shock and mourning.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, officers from East Hampton Town responded to a 911 call just after midnight reporting an unconscious woman on a boat. First responders arrived to find that bystanders had already attempted CPR, but sadly, Nolan-O’Slattara was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have indicated that the preliminary investigation did not immediately reveal a cause of death. A full autopsy is underway, to be conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office. In the meantime, police are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392, as the investigation remains active.
Witnesses at the Montauk Yacht Club reported hearing loud screams near the docks late that night, shortly before Martha was found. While the source of the disturbance is still unclear, it has added a layer of mystery and concern for those familiar with the area and the high-profile venue.
Martha Nolan-O’Slattara was not only a designer but also a visionary entrepreneur who had begun to make her mark in the fiercely competitive world of fashion. A graduate of University College Dublin, she went on to earn a master’s degree in digital marketing from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School before relocating to New York City to pursue her dreams.
Her fashion brand, East X East, was a bold expression of her transatlantic identity — rooted in the hustle of Manhattan and inspired by the sunny, coastal vibes of the Hamptons. With the slogan “Built in the city, made for the sun,” the brand specialized in stylish crochet dresses, bikinis, beachwear, and accessories, and quickly grew a loyal following on social media platforms like TikTok. There, Martha shared her entrepreneurial journey, celebrated business milestones, and inspired a new generation of young designers.
In one of her final TikTok posts, dated July 1, she shared her joy at launching an East X East pop-up shop at Gurney’s in Montauk — a major milestone she called a “dream come true.” “POV: The brand you started 3 years ago has a pop up in the Hamptons,” she captioned the clip, radiating pride and happiness.
To her thousands of followers, Martha wasn’t just a fashion figure — she was a symbol of ambition, resilience, and authenticity. She regularly posted words of encouragement for fellow creatives, celebrated life’s little wins, and expressed a love for New York City with statements like “New York or Nowhere” — a quote that now carries an eerie finality.
Her untimely death marks the second tragedy to shake the Hamptons this summer. In June, 40-year-old real estate agent and Million Dollar Beach House star Sara Burack was killed in a hit-and-run in Hampton Bays.
As the investigation into Martha Nolan-O’Slattara’s death continues, those who knew her — in person or online — are mourning the loss of a bright, fearless talent whose legacy in fashion was only just beginning to unfold.
Her passing leaves behind not only painful questions but a lasting imprint on independent fashion — and a void in the lives of all who admired her