Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Military personnel were deployed on March 10, 2025, to search for Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh junior from the United States who went missing during a spring break trip with friends. The family of Konanki, who is originally from Loudoun County, Virginia, believes she may have accidentally drowned, according to local law enforcement officials.
Sheriff Michael Chapman of Loudoun County expressed his condolences to Konanki’s family, mentioning the tragic nature of her disappearance. Despite the family’s belief that Konanki drowned, authorities in the Dominican Republic are still investigating the case thoroughly to ensure all necessary steps are taken in a missing person investigation.
Konanki, who was studying biological sciences and chemistry on the pre-med track at the University of Pittsburgh, traveled to Punta Cana with five other individuals. Her disappearance occurred when she entered a beach area with a group at 4:15 am, three days into their trip, according to Dominican national police.
Since Konanki went missing, a comprehensive investigation involving national and international authorities has been ongoing. The Dominican police, alongside the Loudoun County Sheriff’s department and multiple U.S. federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and Drug Enforcement Administration, are working diligently to uncover the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
As part of the investigation, authorities identified a person of interest in the case as 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, a Minnesota college student. Riibe, who was not considered a suspect but remained in Punta Cana under the order of local authorities, has reportedly cooperated with investigators, shedding light on his interactions with Konanki prior to her disappearance.
Reports indicate that Riibe may have been the last person to see Konanki before she vanished. Initially, there were concerns of possible foul play, but a recent letter from Konanki’s family suggests they are leaning towards the theory of accidental drowning as they seek closure. Riibe reportedly recounted to investigators that he and Konanki had been drinking together and ventured into the ocean, where she was swept out by strong currents.
Support for Riibe has emerged from his hometown in Rock Rapids, Iowa, with residents praising his character and values. The community stands by Riibe, emphasizing his faith, kindness, and integrity, as investigations continue to unfold in Punta Cana regarding Konanki’s disappearance.
Throughout this challenging time, authorities, family, friends, and community members are united in their efforts to find answers and closure in the case of Sudiksha Konanki’s disappearance in Punta Cana.