Police in New York are investigating the death of an Irish woman on a yacht on Long Island in New York state.
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra (33) was found unconscious on a boat at the exclusive Montauk Yacht Club in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The results of a preliminary examination into the cause of her death were deemed “inconclusive”, according to police.
Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra was originally from Monacurragh, Blackbog Road, at the edge of Carlow town. From a farming family, she worked in Ireland until 2015 before emigrating to the United States. She set up her own brand, East x East, a luxury brand wear for sunglasses, swimwear and resort wear for men and women.
She recently posted on her TikTok images of her pop-up East x East shop at Gurney’s Resort in the Hamptons. She promised that she would be organising brand events and pool parties during the summer in the Hamptons.
A statement from Suffolk County Police said: “East Hampton Town Police responded to a 911 call from a man reporting a woman unconscious on a boat docked at the Montauk Yacht Club, on Star Island Road, at approximately 12am. Good Samaritans attempted to perform CPR on the woman.
Montauk Yacht Club on Long Island, New York state, where Irish woman Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was found unconscious on a boat. Photograph: IMAGO/MediaPunch via Reuters
“Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra (33), of Manhattan, was pronounced dead on the boat by first responders.
“The preliminary investigation and exam were inconclusive regarding the cause of death, which will be determined by an autopsy conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the death is an “absolutely devastating blow for the family – a young, beautiful, very talented, creative woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. We can’t comment any further other than to say it’s a devastating loss for the family and the community in Carlow.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” a statement said.
Police in New York are investigating the death of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra (33). Photograph: TikTok
Carlow councillor Fergal Browne said his thoughts and prayers are with Ms Nolan O’Slatarra’s family.
“The death of a young woman with her life cut short and who did have years ahead of her makes this so heartbreaking,“ the Fine Gael representative said.
“Martha is from a long established and highly respected farming family. It is so devastating for them all.”
A Montauk Yacht Club spokesperson said: “We are saddened to learn of the tragic incident that took place. Our team is co-operating with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation and remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff. We have no further comment at this time.”
Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra earned a commerce degree from UCD and an MA in digital marketing from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, according to her LinkedIn profile. She is a past pupil of St Leo’s College in Carlow.