Martha Nolan Osratala, a fashion entrepreneur based in the Hamptons, faced accusations of fraud from investor Chris Durnan just days before her death, as indicated by text messages obtained by The Post.
The 33-year-old designer, originally from Ireland and known for her swimwear brand, had blocked Durnan’s number on August 1, 2025, following a series of heated messages. Dylan Grace, her business partner at East x East, also accused both individuals of fraudulent activities.
Nolan Osratala had assured Grace that she would meet with Durnan—who held a 13% stake in the company after investing $250,000 in 2022—to address financial misconduct claims. Screenshots provided to the Post revealed their communication, where she said, “Oh my god…I’ll see you on Monday.”
Grace had asked if she could temporarily unblock Durnan for the weekend, to which Nolan Osratala replied that she had done so. The following day, she expressed distress over Durnan’s “aggressive” messaging, saying he wouldn’t stop texting her.
In a letter written to Grace on August 2, she described feeling “harassed” and said, “He won’t stop texting me about 10 times.” She further conveyed her frustrations, mentioning Durnan’s tendencies to seek attention.
On August 4, Nolan Osratala and Durnan met for a business discussion, which tragically ended with her untimely death. According to a report by New York Magazine, the pair had gathered on Durnan’s boat at the Montauk Yacht Club around 7:30 p.m., enjoying champagne as the sun set.
After spending some time on the yacht, they moved to another boat, Ripple, though the details of what transpired next remain unclear and are under investigation.
Paramedics responded late that night and discovered Nolan Osratala unresponsive and cold to the touch. A report indicated she was found covered in blood and with noticeable bruising. Durnan was found on the dock, naked, having called for help, while another individual called 911 and performed CPR.
Durnan has denied any wrongdoing related to her death and has not been charged with any crime. In defense, his lawyer claimed Durnan removed his clothing due to vomit from Nolan Osratala, but this detail was not mentioned in the paramedic’s report, and Durnan’s clothes were never located.
A photo obtained by The Post from November 11, 2022, indicates that at a prior time, Nolan Osratala and Durnan appeared to be enjoying each other’s company, seated at a table filled with drinks.
Nolan Osratala’s family has since initiated a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against Durnan in Manhattan Supreme Court. Mike Bowe, the family’s lawyer, stated that she had blocked Durnan’s communications for several months but unblocked him at Grace’s urging to address business-related complaints. “She agreed to meet with him. She died at that meeting,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the investigation into her death is ongoing, with her family appealing for more information. Grace has not responded to requests for comment, and neither Durnan nor his attorney have provided feedback to The Post.
