Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student and Indian citizen, has been missing since March 6 after traveling to Punta Cana for spring break. Despite days of intensive investigation, authorities have yet to confirm the cause of her presumed death. While many believe she may have drowned, no definitive evidence has been found, as her body has not been recovered from the water.
According to People, on March 17, after more than a week of uncertainty, Konaki’s parents, Subbarayuda and ScreeDevi Konanki, made the painful decision to request that authorities officially declare their daughter dead. The family, devastated by the ongoing mystery, is seeking closure and answers about what happened to their daughter during her trip.
The investigation has pointed to Joshua Ribbe, a 22-year-old Iowa man, as the last person to have seen Konanki alive. Ribbe, who had also visited Punta Cana for his spring break, is under scrutiny by authorities, with many speculating about his possible involvement in Konanki’s disappearance.
According to Eyewitness News, Ribbe stated, “I was trying to make sure that she could breathe the entire time–that prevented me from breathing the entire time, and I took in a lot of water.” He continued, “When I finally touched the sand, I put her in front of me. Then she got up to go get her stuff since the ocean had moved us.”
“She was not out of the water since it was up to her knee. She was walking at an angle in the water.The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was okay. I didn’t hear her response because I began to vomit with all the water I had swallowed,” Ribbe told the prosecutor. “After vomiting, I looked around, and I didn’t see anyone. I thought she had taken her things and left.”
Police have confirmed that two items belonging to Konaki–a swim cover-up and shoes–were recovered on the beach. These items were found near the area where she went missing, further deepening the mystery surrounding her disappearance.
Ribbe is not currently facing any formal charges, but he has been detained by authorities in the Dominican Republic. His passport has been confiscated, preventing him from returning to the United States. As a result, Ribbe will remain in the country until the investigation is resolved, placing his academic pursuits on hold.
As stated by Fox News, “The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where the Konanki family lives, said in a statement Tuesday that ‘he disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling. We have supported them throughout to ensure a rigorous, wide-ranging investigation. We have also met personally with them and continue to provide emotional support through our Victim Advocate Unit.’”
Konanki’s parents remain convinced that their daughter tragically drowned, given the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. After an investigation by authorities, it was determined that the waves were exceptionally large and abnormal, making it nearly impossible for anyone to escape their force while under the influence.
The investigation has now concluded.
