Sudiksha Konanki’s parents have officially asked Dominican authorities to declare her legally dead. It has been 11 days since she vanished while on spring break in Punta Cana. Her family has now accepted the devastating reality that she will not be found alive. A source said that the family made this painful decision after exhausting all hope.
Authorities Believe girl Drowned in Rough Ocean Waters
Officials believe Sudiksha tragically drowned in the ocean. Authorities launched a massive search operation but warned early on that survival was unlikely. They later discovered her clothes on the beach near her last known location. Sudiksha Konanki’s parents, Subbarayudu and SreeDevi, have now submitted a formal request to the National Police for a legal declaration of death. In their letter, they stated that while this step will not lessen their grief, it will help bring some closure and allow them to honor their daughter’s memory.
No Evidence Suggests Foul Play in Her Disappearance
The last person seen with Sudiksha was 22-year-old Joshua Riibe. He has fully cooperated with the police. Sudiksha Konanki’s parents mentioned in their statement that they believe there is no evidence of foul play. Authorities have also found nothing to suggest otherwise. They confirmed that the family will follow all required legal steps to process their request.
Parents Initially Feared a Possible Kidnapping
At first, Sudiksha’s parents feared she had been kidnapped. They pleaded with authorities to widen the search area and consider other possibilities. Her father, Subbarayudu, urged investigators to explore all angles. He noted that after four days, if she had drowned, her body would likely have washed ashore. But as more time passed and no new evidence emerged, the family made the heartbreaking decision to accept her loss. After careful thought, they concluded that Sudiksha Konanki did not survive.
Last Moments on the Beach Before girl Went Missing
Riibe told investigators that he and Sudiksha went to the beach after drinking with friends. Around 5 a.m. on March 6, they decided to go for a swim. He claimed that a strong wave knocked them over and said he attempted to pull her toward shore, but he lost sight of her. He managed to make it out of the water and passed out on a sun bed. Surveillance footage from their hotel showed them at the bar at 4:05 a.m., both appearing intoxicated. At 4:15 a.m., Riibe was seen with his arm around Sudiksha Konanki as they walked toward the beach. By 4:55 a.m., two of their friends returned to the hotel, but Sudiksha never did.
Her Personal Belongings Were Found on the Beach
Sudiksha, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, enjoyed a Caribbean vacation with five female friends. Her family emigrated from India to the U.S. when she was a child. Authorities searched the area and found a sarong and a pair of flip-flops near the spot where she disappeared. They shared photos of the items online. Her belongings remained untouched, lying on a beach chair and in the sand nearby.
One of the Largest Search Operations Conducted
Authorities launched an extensive search effort to locate Sudiksha. Agustín Morillo Rodríguez, general commander of the Dominican Republic Navy, described it as one of the largest operations they had ever conducted to find a missing person. Despite their efforts, they never found any trace of her. Her family then made the painful decision to request a legal declaration of Sudiksha Konanki’s death.
