Missing Indian-Origin Student Sudiksha Konkani's Parents Believe She Likely Drowned; Claim Josh Riibe Wasn't A Suspect

The grieving parents of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki now believe she drowned while on a spring break in the Dominican Republic. Her father, Subbarayudu Konanki, stated that authorities confirmed rough ocean conditions at the time and ruled out any suspects.

FPJ Web Desk Updated: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 07:31 PM IST
The heartbroken parents of missing University of Pittsburg student Sudiksha Konkani, have confirmed that their daughter likely died by drowning. | (Photo Courtesy:

The heartbroken parents of missing University of Pittsburg student Sudiksha Konkani, have confirmed that their daughter likely died by drowning. | (Photo Courtesy:

New York: The heartbroken parents of missing University of Pittsburg student Sudiksha Konkani, have confirmed that their daughter likely died by drowning while she was on a spring break in the Dominican Republic with her friends.

"Authorities from both sides have shown us how rough the ocean conditions were at the time and confirmed that the person of interest was never a suspect," Sudiksha's father Subbarayudu Konanki told The Post on Tuesday, March 18.

"With immense sorrow, we are coming to terms with the heartbreaking reality that our daughter has drowned. This is incredibly difficult for us to process," he further told the publication.

Have a look at his statement here:

About the Case

According to reports, Sudiksha disappeared on March 6 while she was vacationing in the Dominican Republic for spring break. She had been staying at the Riu Republica Hotel in Punta Cana and was last seen near the beach before dawn. She and her friends had stepped outside following a power outage at the hotel.

Authorities launched extensive search efforts in the waters near the hotel in an attempt to locate her. However, her body was not found.

Her family noted that she left behind her belongings, including her phone and wallet, which was unusual as she typically carried her phone at all times.

Konanki had arrived in the Dominican Republic on March 3 with a group of five other female students.

Published on: Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 07:31 PM IST

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