The family of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old fashion designer found dead last year at a yacht club in Montauk, is challenging the initial conclusion that she died of a drug overdose. According to attorney Michael Bowe of Brithem LLP, who represents Nolan-O’Slatarra’s family, new information suggests she was bloodied and that the scene aboard the yacht was cleaned before law enforcement arrived.

Nolan-O’Slatarra was discovered on August 5, 2025, aboard the vessel “Ripple” at an exclusive yacht club. Authorities had initially ruled her death as caused by an overdose. However, the family’s legal counsel disputes this finding, asserting that her death was the result of assault and negligence rather than drugs.

On Tuesday, Bowe filed a notice of claim indicating the family’s intent to pursue a $50 million wrongful-death lawsuit against Christopher Durnan, the owner of the yacht. The claim alleges that Durnan “intentionally and wrongfully assaulted” Nolan-O’Slatarra, though it does not provide additional details about the nature of the alleged assault.

Durnan, who has not been charged in connection with the case, was not available for comment. Authorities have not publicly updated their investigation or addressed the family’s allegations.

The dispute raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death, which took place in a high-profile setting and has drawn considerable attention given her status in the fashion industry and the upscale location of the incident. The family’s forthcoming legal action suggests a prolonged dispute over the cause of death and accountability.