Prisoner in Handcuffs Photo (ID 137520971): © Motortion | Dreamstime.com
On March 6, 2025, 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, a student at the University of Pittsburgh, vanished while vacationing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Authorities have yet to find her body, though they suspect she may have drowned.
Beach Photo (ID 184907154): © Nikolay Antonov | Dreamstime.com
The Last Known Moments
Konanki was last seen near the Riu Republica Resort. Her companion, Joshua Riibe, told authorities they were swimming when a strong current separated them. Riibe made it back to shore, but Konanki disappeared (Source: People).
Photo Credit for Sudiksha Konanki: Defensa Civil Dominicana
Ongoing Investigation & Presumed Death
Despite efforts from Interpol, the FBI, and Dominican authorities, no evidence has been found. Konanki’s parents have formally requested that she be declared legally deceased to begin the grieving process (Source: Reuters).
This case has raised concerns about tourist safety in beach destinations, as authorities continue to investigate.
