Christopher Durnan, a New York businessman tied to the yacht where swimwear designer Martha Nolan was found dead, was previously charged with assaulting a former firefighter, Michael Balfe, at a 9/11 memorial event. Durnan, who has owned multiple yachts named ‘Ripple’ over the years, was allegedly accused of biting Balfe during a concert commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The lawsuit alleged that the attack caused serious physical and mental injuries, with Balfe claiming he suffered long-term effects. Durnan’s legal team denied the accusations, asserting self-defense and claiming Balfe was the aggressor.
The case was settled out of court, and Durnan faced a reduced charge of disorderly conduct, resulting in a fine and a year of conditional release. Meanwhile, the investigation into Nolan’s death remains ongoing, with no conclusive cause identified. Authorities have stated that a toxicology report is pending, which may provide further insights. The family of Martha Nolan has urged the public to respect their privacy during this difficult time, emphasizing their focus on honoring her legacy. Meanwhile, homicide detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department are conducting a thorough probe into her mysterious death.