Tragic Death of Swimwear Designer Martha Nolan Osratara
A few months prior to her passing on a yacht in Montauk, New York, swimsuit designer Martha Nolan Osratara had recently finalized her divorce and settled prior legal issues related to her business activities.
At just 33, Osratara was in the process of an uncontested divorce from Sam Ryan as of April 8, 2025, as per court documents from the New York County Supreme Court. The paperwork included a separation agreement and certificates of dissolution, confirming their marriage had ended several months before her tragic death on August 5.
Osratara was found deceased on a yacht early Tuesday morning. Despite the immediate efforts of bystanders to perform CPR, she was pronounced dead on the scene.
Raising Questions About Montauk’s Social Scene
The Irish entrepreneur, known for her luxurious bikini line, was reportedly in a new romantic relationship and had plans to get engaged. Her boyfriend—who was not with her on the night of her death—had received a text from her saying “Uber Home” after what she had described as a business outing. Meanwhile, the yacht’s owner, allegedly in his 60s, was found alone on the boat when authorities arrived.
Witnesses at the Montauk Yacht Club observed chaotic scenes just before midnight, with a man running along the dock crying for help while throwing items onto nearby boats. One anonymous witness noted the man seemed frantic, shouting for assistance.
Aside from her personal challenges, Osratara faced legal troubles stemming from her business dealings. In a civil suit filed in 2022, she was accused of misconduct at Out East Accessories Inc., alleging she had taken substantial funds and inventory. Osratara denied these accusations through her lawyer, and the case was eventually dismissed after a settlement was reached.
A Shocking Loss in the Fashion World
Osratara’s brand, East x East, was gaining traction in a competitive market. Earlier in the summer, she had secured a pop-up shop at a prestigious location in Hampton. Social media posts featured behind-the-scenes glimpses of her fashion events.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Gurney’s Resort expressed sadness over her passing, extending condolences to her family and friends, and emphasized their commitment to guest safety.
As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to confirm the official cause of death, although preliminary autopsy results showed no signs of violence. Renowned forensic experts predict that definitive answers may come within a week.
Awaiting Answers
Family members are reportedly devastated by the news. Osratara’s mother shared her disbelief and pain, recounting how their last conversation had been just days before the incident, when her daughter expressed plans to return to Ireland. The family, now grappling with this shock, waits for further updates from law enforcement as the investigation unfolds.
