PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — Nearly two weeks after the disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki, the parents of the missing University of Pittsburgh student have formally requested Dominican authorities to declare her legally dead. The family’s decision follows extensive searches and the difficult acknowledgment of the likelihood of tragedy, with authorities concluding they believe she has drowned.
Sudiksha, 20, disappeared on March 6, 2025, after heading to the beach with several friends around 4:15 a.m. Surveillance footage showed she was last seen at the RIU Republica Resort before many of her group returned without her.
Her parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki, submitted the declaration request to La Policia Nacional and expressed gratitude for the search efforts. “Following extensive searches, Dominican authorities have concluded Sudiksha is believed to have drowned,” they wrote. “Her clothes were discovered on the 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 request for the declaration of death is not one made lightly. “While no declaration can truly ease our grief,” they added, “we trust this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.”
The circumstances surrounding Sudiksha’s disappearance have remained murky but are largely centered around Joshua Riibe, 22, who is believed to be the last person with her. Riibe allegedly told authorities he and Konanki were drinking and kissing when they were swept out to sea by sudden waves. He claims to have swum back to shore but asserts he lost sight of her amid the turmoil.
Riibe has been detained since Konanki was reported missing, as authorities have confiscated his passport and labeled him as someone who must remain within the country during the investigation. His family has expressed concern over what they call “irregular conditions” of his detention, alleging he lacked proper legal representation and resources during questioning.
Authorities have reported no signs of violence and indicated they believe Sudiksha’s demise was accidental. “Red flags were reported flying at the beach on the night she went missing,” said the hotel spokesperson, indicating hazardous water conditions.
“He has been confined to the hotel since the investigation began,” Riibe’s attorney stated, adding he remains permanently escorted by police. The attorney filed for his release, arguing against what they believe to be wrongful detention, with hearing proceedings set to continue as the situation develops.
Konanki, who was on spring break with friends, traveled from Loudoun County, Virginia, and was pursuing biological studies at college. The corresponding emotional toll on her family has been immense as they navigate the pain of her absence.
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office also stood by the family, stating they would provide emotional and logistical support throughout the investigation. The sheriff confirmed Sudiksha's family has expressed suspicion of drowning and remarked on the tragedy of her disappearance.
“The disappearance of Sudiksha is tragic, and we cannot fathom the extent of grief her family is feeling,” Sheriff Michael Chapman remarked recently. “We have supported them to secure rigorous investigations and will continue to do so.”
Authorities have used various means to conduct search efforts, deploying drones, helicopters, and trained maritime rescue teams to comb through the waters and nearby beach areas where Sudiksha was last seen.
Although Riibe has not been officially named as a suspect, his accounts and actions continue to draw scrutiny. Some of the inconsistencies noted by investigators, such as lapses in timing and recollection of events, have resulted in pressure from various parties for thorough clarification and transparency moving forward.
The support for Sudiksha’s family has poured from various quarters, with places encouraging prayer and help for those impacted. A poignant statement from Joshua Riibe’s family underscored their feelings linked to this tragic scenario, expressing sorrow for Sudiksha’s family and asserting their son's character.
“We wish to contribute to search efforts and understand the anguish they are experiencing,” Riibe’s family said. “Joshua is deeply dismayed by this disappearance and has fully cooperated.”
Despite their statements, Riibe remains embroiled in legal challenges as the investigation proceeds amid heightened emotions. Sudiksha’s case receives widespread attention, leading to efforts both locally and internationally to gather information related to her disappearance.
Those with information about Sudiksha’s case are urged to reach out to local authorities. Continued coverage will provide updates as developments arise and attempts to bring proper closure to this tragic situation.
