In the months before her death aboard a yacht in Montauk, New York, swimwear designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra had recently finalized a divorce and previously resolved a legal dispute tied to her business dealings.

According to documents processed by the New York County Supreme Court, viewed by Fox News Digital, the 33-year-old designer was in the midst of an uncontested divorce from her husband, Sam Ryan, as recently as April 8, 2025. 

The filings include a separation agreement, affidavits from both parties, and a certificate of dissolution, signaling that the couple’s marriage had officially ended just months prior to her untimely death on Aug. 5.

Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead aboard a docked yacht in the early hours of Tuesday. Despite efforts by good Samaritans to perform CPR, she was pronounced dead on the yacht

Authorities say the cause and manner of Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death remain undetermined pending an autopsy. The Suffolk County Homicide Squad is leading the investigation. (Facebook/ Martha Nolan)

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, according to Extra.ie, is assisting the family with bringing Nolan-O’Slatarra’s remains home. Fox News Digital has reached out to the trust.

Nolan’s relatives in Ireland say they are devastated and in disbelief.

“I don’t know what happened to my daughter,” her mother, Elma Nolan, told The Irish Independent, describing herself as “numb with shock.”

She recalled how her youngest daughter, Jacqui, arrived at their home in Carlow, Ireland, Tuesday night “crying and shaking” to deliver the news no parent wants to hear.

Elma said she later spoke with a detective in Montauk but was told no further information could be released due to the early stage of the investigation.

“We weren’t told anything about the circumstances,” she said, adding that Martha had planned to return to Ireland this week, and had called just days earlier to ask about a ride from the airport. “That was the last time we spoke.”