Family Believes Pitt Student Drowned in Dominican Republic as Search Ends Without Answers

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, went missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Her parents, addressing the media from their home in Loudoun County, Virginia, announced that they no longer hold hope she is alive. They believe their daughter drowned on March 6 after being last seen on a beach with friends. Despite a weeks-long international investigation, there has been no conclusive evidence found, leading the family to accept the most likely explanation provided by authorities.

Authorities Cite Ocean Conditions as Last Witness Describes Being Pulled Out to Sea

Both U.S. and Dominican Republic authorities have reportedly informed the Konanki family that they believe Sudiksha drowned, citing the strong ocean conditions on the morning of her disappearance. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, shared that officials showed the family data on wave heights and confirmed that no foul play was suspected. These conclusions have further solidified the family’s belief in an accidental drowning.

Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old student from St. Cloud State University, is believed to be the last person who saw Konanki. In an interview with local authorities, Riibe stated that he and Konanki were waist-deep in the ocean, talking and kissing, when a wave pulled them into deeper water. Riibe said they were both swept out to sea. Although not charged with any crime, Riibe’s passport was confiscated, and he was kept under supervision at the hotel since March 6.

Judge Lifts Supervision Order as Passport Dispute Deepens Family’s Pain and Uncertainty

A Dominican judge ruled on Tuesday that Riibe no longer needs to be under police supervision. However, the matter of his passport remains unresolved. Confusion persists over which authorities currently possess the document, with a prosecutor denying knowledge of it during a court appearance. The lack of clarity has added to the complex and emotionally charged nature of the investigation.

Overcome with grief, Konanki’s mother could only offer brief thanks to the international media for their support during the search. Her father, struggling to speak through his sorrow, expressed the family’s pain and heartbreak at the presumed loss of their daughter. The emotional toll has been immense, as the family now begins to process their loss without definitive closure.