The family of designer Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra has decided to file a $50 million lawsuit over her death on a yacht in Long Island. According to the New York Post, relatives blame vessel owner and insurance tycoon Christopher Dernan for the incident, after the fashion designer met him that evening for work.
The 33-year-old native of Ireland living in the United States was found dead in August 2025 on the yacht Ripple at the Montauk Yacht Club. Dernan was an investor in her brand, East x East. The victim's family is seeking $50 million, or roughly 4.1 billion rubles, in compensation from Dernan.
Police initially stated that the cause of death was an accidental drug overdose. However, an independent examination refuted that version and pointed to physical violence. A preliminary court filing accuses the investor of intentional and unlawful assault, along with extreme negligence and reckless behavior.
Witness accounts and police investigation
Witnesses reported hearing loud screams on the night of the tragedy and seeing a naked man acting strangely on the deck. Eyewitnesses said he threw sunscreen bottles at neighboring boats to wake sleeping owners while shouting that someone needed to do something. Bystanders tried to save the woman, but were unsuccessful.
The Suffolk County Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident. Law enforcement officials have turned down several requests from the New York Post to obtain autopsy results and other documents.
Separately, in May, Jonathan Andic, the son of Mango founder Isak Andic, was released from custody on one million euros bail after being accused in a tragedy involving his father.
