The family of a University of Pittsburgh student who vanished during a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic has formally requested that authorities declare her deceased, signaling a painful move toward closure more than ten days after her disappearance.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old from Chantilly, Virginia, was last seen in the early morning hours of March 6 on a beach near the Riu República hotel in Punta Cana. She was reportedly wearing a brown bikini at the time. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, which has been assisting with the case, confirmed that the family submitted a written request for the declaration to both local and Dominican officials.
While the final authority to make such a declaration rests with the Dominican Republic, Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman stated that his office would support the Konanki family “in every way possible” as the investigation continues. The family has expressed their belief that Konanki drowned.
According to investigative sources, the last known person to see Konanki was 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, who was part of a group with her on the beach. Riibe told authorities that a large wave pulled both of them into the water. He reported struggling in rough surf to return to shore and believed Konanki had also made it out, but could not confirm this with certainty.
Described by her father as an ambitious young woman who aspired to a career in medicine, Konanki is remembered as a bright student with a promising future. The formal request for a declaration of death marks a solemn step by her loved ones as they confront the overwhelming likelihood of a tragic outcome.
