Yachtsman connected to Montauk case sued over firefighter assault at 9/11 memorial

Investigation into Fashion Designer’s Death at Montauk Yacht

A businessman from New York, who reportedly owns a yacht in Montauk, is at the center of a legal dispute following the tragic death of swimsuit designer Martha Nolan. Nolan was found deceased at a tribute concert on August 5, a location where Christopher Dernan claims a past affiliation with the FDNY, according to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan.

Dernan, aged 60, has mentioned being an investor in Nolan’s East X East brand. Throughout his life, he has owned several large boats, including one named “Ripple,” which is notably the same vessel where Nolan was discovered.

Currently, Dernan faces no criminal charges related to Nolan’s death or to allegations of fraud.

In a separate legal matter, former firefighter Michael Barfe has accused Dernan of a “vicious” attack during a concert on September 11, 2021, at Webster Hall in New York City. The lawsuit states that Barfe suffered serious physical and emotional injuries from the assault, which he claims was unprovoked and led to lasting damage. He further criticized the concert’s security for not adequately protecting audience members.

New information is emerging, with law enforcement urging caution in rushing conclusions regarding Nolan’s death.

According to the lawsuit, Barfe has described severe repercussions from the incident, including debilitating pain and medical treatment. The injuries reportedly hindered his regular activities and resulted in significant suffering.

The details of the case have received attention, including earlier reports highlighting that Barfe is a ground zero first responder, and linking Dernan to ownership of multiple boats, including the vessel involved in Nolan’s death.

Dernan’s legal team has denied the allegations, claiming self-defense and asserting that Barfe provoked the situation. Court records indicate that Dernan faced initial charges for several misdemeanors, including assault and drug possession, which he later resolved by pleading guilty to disorderly conduct, resulting in a year of conditional release and a fine.

Nolan’s family has been in touch with detectives as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. However, authorities have yet to determine how she passed away based on preliminary findings and the autopsy results. The toxicology report is still pending, and it might shed additional light on the matter.

Arthur Aidala, a lawyer with ties to Nolan’s family, speculated that she may have succumbed to a drug overdose. He emphasized, however, that the final cause remains uncertain, noting that speculation without concrete evidence can be misleading and disrespectful. He stressed the importance of honoring Nolan’s legacy while also asking for privacy for the family during this difficult time.