THE FAMILY OF Irish fashion designer Martha Nolan-O’Slatarra, who died on a yacht in Montauk in New York a year ago, have launched a lawsuit against the boat’s owner. According to court filings, the lawsuit against Christopher Durnan of Garden City in New York alleges wrongful death in the case of Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra and also alleges that he “intentionally and wrongfully assaulted” her. The lawsuit alleges “gross negligence and wanton conduct” by the defendant which it is claimed caused Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death. He said his client was “distraught” following Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s death and that he described her as “a good friend”. An independent autopsy was reportedly commissioned by Ms Nolan-O’Slatarra’s family and The Journal has sought clarification from her family’s representative whether this forms part of the lawsuit.