Family of Missing Pitt Student Requests Legal Death Declaration in Dominican Republic

Sudiksha Konanki’s family has requested a legal death declaration following her suspected drowning in the Dominican Republic. Her parents are seeking closure while authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. The last person to see Konanki is cooperating with officials, reporting challenges they faced in the ocean.
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who went missing during a spring break trip in Punta Cana, has formally requested Dominican authorities to declare her legally dead. This appeal comes nearly two weeks after her disappearance. Konanki’s parents expressed that initiating the death declaration process would allow them to grieve and manage issues concerning her absence. They stated, “While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.”
Authorities suspect that Sudiksha drowned on March 6, and her father shared with the New York Post details regarding the conditions at the time, affirming that both sides of the authorities confirmed the ocean’s turbulent state. He stated, “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned.” The last person known to have seen her, Joshua Riibe, has been cooperating with the investigation and has requested to return to the United States.
Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman communicated support for the Konanki family, affirming that they would assist them during this difficult time. He remarked, “The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling.” Surveillance footage showed Konanki with a group before she vanished and indicated that Riibe was among them. While he has not been charged with any crime, he has been questioned about the incident over three days, stating that they were caught in a large wave, unsure if Konanki had made it to safety.
Konanki was last seen near the Riu República hotel beach, and authorities have thus far found no initial evidence of foul play. The investigation continues as the family seeks closure in this heartbreaking situation, wanting to honor her memory accordingly.
The Konanki family seeks to declare their daughter legally dead to begin the grieving process after her tragic disappearance in the Dominican Republic. Authorities believe she drowned, and support has been provided to the family as they navigate this heartbreaking time. The last person known to be with her is cooperating with the investigation, which continues as the family hopes for closure.
Original Source: www.kwxx.com