The family of Irish fashion designer Martha Nolan-O'Slatarra has launched a civil lawsuit in the United States seeking $50 million (€43 million) in damages over her death on a boat in New York last year. According to court documents filed on behalf of her estate, the legal action alleges "wrongful death" and names Christopher Durnan, of Garden City, New York, as the defendant. Ms Nolan-O'Slatarra had built a successful career after moving to the United States at the age of 24. News of her death prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues and members of the fashion industry in both Ireland and the United States. The wrongful death lawsuit marks the latest legal development arising from the circumstances surrounding Ms Nolan-O'Slatarra's death.