Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s boyfriend gives heartbreaking tribute at designer’s funeral after she was found dead on Montauk boat



The Manhattan fashion designer found dead on a boat at the swanky Montauk Yacht Club was laid to rest in her native Ireland Wednesday — with her grief-stricken boyfriend telling mourners she had a way of “lighting up every room.”

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s funeral was held at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the tiny Irish town of Carlow — about 50 miles from Dublin — early Wednesday.

The 33-year-old’s heartbroken partner, Nicholas DiRubio, was among the loved ones spotted carrying her coffin from the packed church.

Fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra was found dead on a boat at the Montauk Yacht Club. Instagram/@marthanolan
Nicholas DiRubio (front left) holds his girlfriend’s casket at her funeral on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Padraig O’Reilly for NY Post
Fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s boyfriend, Nicholas DiRubio, seen at her funeral. Padraig O’Reilly for NY Post

“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 told mourners during the service, according to the Irish Mirror.

O’Slatarra’s sister, Jacqui, went on to describe her as “built-in best friend.”

“Martha, my beautiful sister, you taught me everything I needed to know in life. I didn’t always see you, but I always knew you were there,” the teary sibling said.

Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s mother, Elma, at the funeral for her daughter on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Padraig O’Reilly for NY Post
A hearse carries martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s casket to her funeral in Carlow, Ireland on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Padraig O’Reilly for NY Post

“We know each other’s quirks, dreams and fears and the bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable. So here’s to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter, who know you best, and who love you the most. Cheers to the laughter, the tears and the countless memories that were made.”

The designer’s passport and make-up brushes, as well as a US and Irish flag, were on display inside the church during the service.

Following the service, the Irish beauty was buried at the local St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Nicholas DiRubio seen hugging someone at the funeral of his girlfriend, Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra. Padraig O’Reilly for NY Post
The front page of the New York Post on Thursday, August 7, 2025. scalle

Nolan-O’Slatarra, who moved to the Big Apple in 2018 where she ended up co-founding her East x East swimwear brand, was found dead earlier this month while she was summering in the Hamptons.

She was found unresponsive on a boat named “Ripple” — one of two belonging to insurance mogul Christopher Durnan — in the early hours of Aug. 5 after cops received a 911 call.

Investigators haven’t yet determined what killed the designer but sources have said authorities suspect an accidental drug overdose given her body didn’t show any evidence of violence.

Martha was found unresponsive on a boat named “Ripple” docked at the Montauk Yacht Club. Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
A picture of the cover of a pamphlet for Martha Nolan O’Slatarra’s funeral mass. Padraig O’Reilly for NY Post

Officials were awaiting additional toxicology results from an autopsy before concluding the probe, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney told The Post on Tuesday.

He noted investigators were zeroing in on whether “designer drugs” played a role.

“In our society right now, the way we’ve evolved with these designer drugs, all these substances that are created in a lab, you want to be extra careful that whatever testing you’ve done is comprehensive and complete before you make any findings in the case,” he said.

Mourners outside a church in Ireland for Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra’s funeral. AP
Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra with her boyfriend Nicholas DiRubio on Valentine’s Day. Martha Nolan/Instagram

“Oftentimes it’s not just one substance,” Tierney continued. “You want to make sure it’s as comprehensive as possible, just because you may get a result on one substance that doesn’t preclude the possibility that another substance was used as well,” he said.

Still, her grieving family has demanded further investigation as they pushed back against speculation she died of an overdose.

“They want more details,” the family’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, previously said.

“The circumstances surrounding this are far from typical.”

“They would like to know anyone who was with Martha that evening,” he added. “Earlier that evening, at the time of the actual incident, we know one person who was there. Was anyone else around?”

The lawyer said, at the time, that the family had been working with law enforcement to ensure the probe was being handled properly.



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