Parents of missing student Sudiksha Konanki ask police to declare her dead

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a university student who went missing in the Dominican Republic, have asked police to officially declare her dead after extensive search efforts.

Konanki, a 20-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh, was vacationing in Punta Cana with five female friends during spring break. She was last seen in the early hours of March 6 at a hotel near the beach.

CCTV footage shows Konanki and her friends walking towards the shore along with two American men. While most of the group returned to their hotel, Konanki reportedly stayed behind with one of the men, identified as Joshua Riibe, a senior at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota.

Investigation and Riibe’s account

Authorities launched an investigation into Konanki’s disappearance, and her clothes were later found on the beach. Riibe has cooperated with police and claimed that he and Konanki were in waist-deep water when a wave pulled them out to sea. He said he managed to return to shore but lost sight of Konanki.

“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 reportedly told investigators.

Dominican authorities have not found any evidence of foul play, but they have confiscated Riibe’s passport and restricted his movement as the investigation continues.

Heartbreaking mystery— New details emerge in search for missing Pitt student Sudiksha Konanki

Family’s heartbreaking request

After weeks of searching, Konanki’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi Konanki, sent a letter to the Dominican Republic National Police, asking them to officially declare their daughter deceased.

“Following an extensive search, Dominican authorities have concluded that Sudiksha is believed to have drowned,” the letter stated. The family expressed their acceptance of Riibe’s account and said the declaration would help them begin the grieving process.

“While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory,” the letter read.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the case, but with no new leads, the family’s request marks a tragic turning point in the search for answers. Meanwhile, Riibe remains under close police supervision at his hotel.

As the Konanki family faces unimaginable loss, their decision reflects a painful reality—one that no parent should ever have to endure.