Designer Who Was Found Dead on N.Y. Boat Remembered as Being ‘Full of Life’ at Funeral amid Ongoing Investigation

The friends and family of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra — found dead on a boat in New York in early August — gathered to pay their final respects as the designer was laid to rest.

Her funeral service took place on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Cathedral of the Assumption in her hometown of Carlow, Ireland, according to The Irish News, Irish Examiner, and Irish broadcaster RTÉ.

During the service, Nolan-O’Slatarra, founder of East x East fashion, was remembered by her family as “loyal, supportive and full of life.” Her partner, Nick DiRubio, shared similar sentiments, noting the enduring impact of her “positive presence” on everyone she met, per the outlets.

“I think Martha had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into, whether it was her signature ‘hi’ or her famous hand gestures,” DiRubio said, as reported by The Irish News.

“One couldn’t help but feel her positive presence in every space she entered. Martha had a way of putting the people she loved first. She loved helping people… We’ve all been lucky to have known Martha, and we must live every day forward with her in our hearts,” he continued.

Her sister, Jacqui Nolan-O’Slatarra, also paid tribute to the 33-year-old, saying, per the outlet, “Through thick and thin, a sister’s love is consistent. You will be in my heart forever, Martha. Here’s to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter.”

During the ceremony, loved ones carried a passport and a piece from her East x East brand to the altar, items the priest described as “symbols of Martha’s life — a short life, but a packed one,” according to the Irish Examiner.

Martha was found dead at the Montauk Yacht Club on Tuesday, Aug. 5, according to a news release previously published by Suffolk County Police. Officers responded to a report of a woman found “unconscious” on a boat docked at the yacht club. First responders attempted to revive her but were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a “preliminary investigation and exam” conducted at the time “were inconclusive” regarding the cause of death. Later updates noted that an autopsy “did not show evidence of violence and her final cause of death is pending further examination.”

Martha’s mother, Elma Nolan, told the Irish Independent that she last spoke with her daughter about a week before her death regarding plans to travel back to Carlow. She described being “numb with shock” upon learning the news.

“I don’t know what happened to my daughter,” she said.

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death remains under investigation.