Sudiksha Konanki was on spring break in the Dominican Republic when she went missing
The parents of missing university student Sudiksha Konanki have heartbreakingly asked police to declare their daughter dead.
Mystery in Paradise: The Disappearance of 20-Year-Old Konanki in the Dominican Republic
A spring break getaway turned into a distressing mystery when 20-year-old Konanki vanished while vacationing in the Dominican Republic. A biology and chemistry student at the University of Pittsburgh, Konanki had traveled to a Punta Cana resort with five female friends, eager to enjoy a well-deserved break.
Her last confirmed sighting was around 4 a.m. local time on March 6 at a hotel. As investigators delved into her disappearance, CCTV footage revealed crucial details of her final known moments. The video shows Konanki walking towards the beach alongside her five friends and two American men. While the group eventually returned to their hotel, Konanki remained on the beach with one of the men—identified as Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.
As authorities intensify their search, Riibe’s family has expressed their deep concern, stating they hope Konanki is “found as soon as possible.” The investigation continues, leaving family and friends desperate for answers in a case that has left many questioning what happened that night on the shores of Punta Cana.
Konanki’s Family Requests Death Declaration Amid Ongoing Investigation
The search for 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, who vanished in the Dominican Republic, remains classified as a missing persons case. However, in a heartbreaking turn, her family has formally requested that she be declared dead.
According to Dominican Republic National Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira, the request was made in a letter sent by Konanki’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki. The letter, cited by Fox News, states:
“Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned. Her clothes were discovered on a beach near where she was last seen. The individual last seen with her is cooperating with the investigation, and no evidence of foul play has been found.”
The decision came after significant deliberation, as Konanki’s parents have reportedly accepted the explanation provided by Joshua Riibe—the last known person to have seen their daughter.
Riibe’s Account of the Night Konanki Disappeared
Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, has been assisting authorities in the investigation. On March 16, he was seen on a Punta Cana beach with investigators, pointing toward the sea.
According to a transcript obtained by NBC News, Riibe told investigators that he and Konanki had been in “waist-deep water” when a strong wave pulled them both out to sea. He recounted swallowing a significant amount of water before managing to get Konanki back to shore.
“The last time I saw her, I asked if she was OK. I didn’t hear her answer. I looked around and didn’t see anyone. I thought she’d grabbed her things and left,” Riibe stated.
As the investigation continues, Dominican authorities have confiscated Riibe’s passport, and his legal team has confirmed he has been confined to his hotel under police supervision. “He is permanently escorted by the police anywhere he goes. So no, he is not free to leave,” his attorneys told NBC News.
A Family’s Heartbreaking Farewell
Konanki’s grieving parents say the declaration of death will allow them to begin the mourning process and address necessary legal matters.
“While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory,” they wrote in their letter to authorities.
As questions linger over the tragic events of that night, the case remains open, and investigators continue their search for definitive answers.
