The heartbreaking case of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has left her family, friends, and community searching for answers. After she went missing during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, her parents made the difficult decision to formally request Dominican authorities declare her legally deceased. Here’s everything we know about the tragedy and its unfolding investigation.
Sudiksha Konanki was last seen on March 6, 2025, in the early hours of the morning at the RIU República Resort in Punta Cana. Surveillance footage reportedly captured her around 4:30 AM, according to Fox News. She had been enjoying a vacation with a group of friends, but the trip turned devastating when she disappeared without a trace.
The authorities believe that Konanki may have drowned near the resort’s beachfront. Her clothes were later found on a nearby beach, raising suspicions about what may have occurred. However, after extensive searches, her body has not been recovered. This lack of closure has created anguish for her family, who are now struggling to move forward.
Nearly two weeks after her disappearance, Konanki’s parents submitted a formal request to the Dominican police, asking them to declare her legally dead. According to ABC News, their letter to the authorities expressed their acceptance of the investigation’s findings so far, which report no evidence of foul play.
They aim to start the grieving process and address legal and financial matters that require a formal declaration of death. This step, though deeply painful, may help bring some amount of closure to the grieving family.
Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student from Minnesota, has been identified as a key witness in the case. He was reportedly the last person to see Konanki before she disappeared. According to Hindustan Times, Riibe’s legal team has pushed back against his detention, which involves passport restrictions and prolonged questioning.
Riibe maintains that he is cooperating fully with the investigation, and authorities have stated he is not considered a suspect. His testimony, alongside other evidence, supports the theory that Konanki’s disappearance was likely accidental.
Surveillance footage and witness statements have been at the heart of the investigation. According to NBC News, the resort’s cameras show Konanki leaving her belongings behind, which were later recovered on a nearby beach. Her parents emphasized in their letter that they trust the evidence collected by authorities, who have ruled out foul play as a possibility. This trust has guided their decision to request a declaration of death.
The tragedy has drawn attention to the safety of travelers, particularly young students abroad. Punta Cana, while renowned for its resorts and tourist attractions, has been the setting for other incidents in the past that have sparked concerns about vacation security. This raises questions: Are resorts doing enough to ensure guests’ safety? Are travelers, especially students, educated on precautions to take in unfamiliar environments?
News outlets such as 6ABC have highlighted these broader issues, reminding us that personal safety on trips can never be overlooked.
