'A shining light': Carlow woman remembered as police probe mystery yacht death in New York

Martha Nolan's funeral mass took place on Wednesday at Carlow Catherdal. 

The Irish fashion entrepreneur found dead on a yacht in New York was remembered as “a shining light” whose positive presence touched everyone she met.

Martha Nolan O’Slatarra, 33, was found unresponsive on a boat at Montauk Yacht Club in East Hampton, Long Island, on August 5 and was later pronounced dead by emergency services.

“Martha had a special way of lighting up every room she walked into,” her partner Nick said at her requiem Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption in her native Carlow on Wednesday morning.

“One couldn’t help but feel her positive presence in every space she entered. Martha had a way of putting the people she loved first. She loved helping people.” 

Nick described her as a shoulder to lean on, someone who reminded loved ones to “look at the good in life.”

“We’ve all been lucky to have known Martha and we must live every day forward with her in our hearts,” he said.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Martha Nolan O'Slatarra arrives at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, ahead of her funeral service. Pictures: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Her sister Jacqui described her “beautiful sister” as her greatest teacher in life.

“I didn’t always see you but I always knew you were there,” she said.

“Growing up with you was like having a built-in best friend. From sharing secrets to late night talks, we’ve been through it all together.

“Through thick and thin, a sister’s love is consistent. We know each others quirks, dreams and fears. The bond between us sisters is unique and unbreakable.

“You will be in my heart forever Martha. Here’s to the sisters, the ones who make life brighter.” 

Mourners embrace following the funeral of Martha Nolan O'Slatarra at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A passport, representing Martha’s love of travel, and an item from her fashion brand, East x East, symbolising her legacy, were brought to the altar.

Mourners also brought a copy of St Martha’s prayer, which her mother Elma recites every Tuesday, along with a photo reflecting her inner and outer beauty, her makeup bag and brushes, a tin whistle symbolising her love of music, and Irish and US flags.

These were described as “symbols of Martha’s life — a short life, but a packed one,” Father Thomas O’Byrne said.

“We pray for Martha who was taken too soon,” one mourner said through tears.

The coffin of Martha Nolan O'Slatarra is carried out of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, following her funeral service. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Irish song The Parting Glass was sung as her coffin was carried from the cathedral to St Mary’s Cemetery for burial.

Ms Nolan O’Slatarra, a 33-year-old entrepreneur from Monacurragh, Co Carlow, worked in Ireland until 2015 before emigrating to the United States. She founded East x East, a luxury brand selling sunglasses, swimwear, and resort wear for men and women.

Her funeral notice on RIP.ie described her as the “beloved daughter of Elma, much loved sister of Jacqui, treasured granddaughter of Betty and Liam, cherished niece of John, Michelle, Barry and Mona and adored partner of Nick”.

The hearse carrying the coffin of Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra leaves the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, following her funeral service. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mystery surrounds her sudden death, which Suffolk County police are investigating.

In the early hours of August 4, a man called for help after finding Ms Nolan O’Slatarra unconscious on a yacht docked at Montauk Yacht Club.

Despite urgent attempts to revive her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said there was no sign of violence. An autopsy was inconclusive, and further toxicology and histology tests are ongoing.

A final report is expected to take at least three months.