MONTAUK, N.Y. — August 6, 2025 — Authorities have identified the woman found dead aboard a yacht docked at the Montauk Yacht Club early Tuesday morning as Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a highly regarded interior designer based in Manhattan with deep ties to the East End community.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 12:00 a.m. after Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unresponsive on board the vessel. Emergency personnel pronounced her dead at the scene. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause and manner of death. Police say the investigation is ongoing and have not confirmed whether foul play is suspected.
Nolan-O’Slatarra, believed to be in her early 40s, was a rising figure in the world of interior and textile design. Known for her bold vision, attention to detail, and a signature blend of modern minimalism and coastal influence, she was widely respected among design professionals and clients alike. While she lived in Manhattan, she spent her summers working and vacationing in Montauk and the surrounding Hamptons area.
“She was the kind of creative mind that elevated everything around her,” said longtime friend and fellow designer Olivia Tran. “She didn’t just design spaces—she told stories with color, light, and texture. This is an enormous loss.”
The yacht on which Nolan-O’Slatarra was found has not been publicly identified, nor have authorities disclosed whether anyone else was aboard at the time. The vessel remains secured at the Montauk Yacht Club as part of the active investigation.
News of her sudden death has reverberated through New York’s design community, with tributes pouring in from friends, clients, and colleagues. Many recalled her as not only a visionary in her field but also a generous mentor and loyal friend.
“She had a rare combination of talent and warmth,” said Leslie Graham, editor-in-chief of East Coast Living. “Martha was one of those people whose presence filled a room long before her designs did. Her loss will be felt far beyond the design world.”
Nolan-O’Slatarra launched her boutique firm in Manhattan over a decade ago, quickly establishing herself as a sought-after name among high-profile clients and boutique hotels. In recent years, her work had been featured in publications including Architectural Digest and Elle Decor. She was also a frequent guest speaker at design symposiums and art panels across the country.
Locals in Montauk remembered her as a familiar face during the summer season—often spotted biking along the harbor, attending art shows, or consulting on renovation projects along the coast.
At this time, no further details have been released by police. Authorities have asked anyone with information about her final hours to come forward.
Nolan-O’Slatarra is survived by her parents, two siblings, and a close-knit circle of colleagues and friends. A private memorial is expected to be held in Manhattan in the coming days, with a celebration of life planned in Montauk later this summer.
Her death marks a devastating loss for both the design community and the East End town she considered a second home.