Chilling text messages have unveiled the chaos and fear surrounding the night Martha Nolan, a fashion designer, passed away on a yacht in New York. Nolan had visited the Montauk Yacht Club in the Hamptons on August 5 to meet with Christopher Durnan, a wealthy insurance executive, to discuss financial support for her fashion brand. Durnan mentioned the possibility of additional funding during their meeting.
After leaving the dock on Durnan’s fishing boat to enjoy champagne and the sunset, Nolan suddenly stopped responding to her friends. Concerned, they used the Find My app to track her location, which showed her phone was in the Atlantic Ocean. A friend even made a morbid joke about her whereabouts.
Nolan eventually responded, stating she was at the yacht club with her phone on, but that was the last communication from her. Soon after, she was discovered unresponsive on a friend’s yacht, while witnesses observed Durnan running naked along the dock, shouting for help and throwing sunscreen at a passing boat.
Local authorities were notified around midnight and are investigating the events leading up to Nolan’s death. Friends have raised doubts about Durnan’s actions, particularly his nudity, prompting concerns about Nolan’s well-being.
Durnan’s attorney, Robert Holdman, explained that Durnan removed his clothes due to them being covered in Nolan’s vomit. According to Holdman, Nolan collapsed suddenly on the yacht’s deck while they were discussing business, and Durnan attempted CPR, believing she was having a heart attack. However, Nolan passed away almost instantly, and emergency services were called by a bystander.
Holdman emphasized that Durnan cooperates fully with the police and denies any delay in seeking help. He also mentioned that Nolan had left to use the bathroom multiple times during the evening, suggesting various possibilities for her absences.
In photos from the deck, a white powder visible was attributed to residue from police fingerprinting. Holdman described Durnan as devastated by the tragic event, highlighting his desire to support Nolan and her endeavors.
Durnan had faced legal issues previously, including an incident at a 9/11 memorial concert where he was accused of assaulting a first responder. Holdman defended Durnan’s actions, stating he was defending someone and denying drug possession allegations.
Nolan, a social media influencer, had a vibrant social life in Manhattan, as seen in her TikTok posts showcasing luxury experiences with her boyfriend. She had a background in commerce and digital marketing, having moved to the US to establish her fashion brands.
Authorities are exploring the potential involvement of drugs in Nolan’s death, with efforts to identify any potential suppliers. A preliminary post-mortem did not indicate violence, and further tests are pending to determine the exact cause of death. Nolan’s family from Ireland has requested a second autopsy to seek clarity on the tragic event.