Sudiksha Konanki vanishes while in Dominican Republic for spring break

In the Dominican Republic, a missing person case has drawn attention regarding Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh. Sudiksha was part of a group that went on vacation to Punta Cana for spring break in early March 2025. She was last seen in the early hours of March 6 after spending time at a nightclub with friends and then walking along the beach with Joshua Riibe, a fellow student who is now considered a person of interest in her case. Reports indicate that the two went into the ocean and had a brief interaction before Sudiksha disappeared without a trace. Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage depict Sudiksha in distress before she disappeared. Just hours before her last known sighting, new video captured her appearing unwell at a bar, which may suggest that she had been drinking prior to heading to the beach. Riibe, who has been cooperative in the investigation, claims he helped pull Sudiksha from the water but lost sight of her afterward. In light of these developments, Dominican authorities have classified the case as a missing persons investigation, moving forward with questioning and searching. Search efforts have intensified as authorities have explored all possibilities, including the likelihood of drowning based on previous witness statements and footage showing her last known movements. Riibe is under investigation but remains a key witness, as Dominican authorities are not treating him as a suspect despite the uncertainty surrounding Sudiksha's disappearance. Her family, needing closure, has requested her declaration as deceased from authorities, a move that underscores the distress and fear surrounding her absence. As journalists and officials continue to seek answers, the case remains shrouded in mystery. The local sheriff's office in Virginia has assisted, mindful of the family's plight, working with Dominican authorities to review evidence. As the search continues, public interest grows, prompting discussions about safety during travel and the support systems for individuals abroad. This unfortunate incident highlights the need for vigilance and consideration of risk factors, particularly for young travelers seeking leisure away from their home environments.