- Sudiksha Konanki, 20, vanished during Punta Cana spring break trip
- Last seen with Joshua Riibe, who claims a wave separated them
- Dominican authorities suspect accidental drowning in ongoing investigation
- Riibe detained but cooperating; parents demand due process
- Search efforts continue as families seek answers
The disappearance of University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has shocked her community and raised questions about safety during spring break travel. The 20-year-old was last seen on March 5, 2025, after a night out with friends in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. According to three Dominican officials involved in the case, Konanki and recent acquaintance Joshua Riibe stayed behind on the beach after their group returned to the hotel.
Riibe, a 22-year-old Minnesota college senior and trained lifeguard, provided investigators with a harrowing account of their final moments together. The pair reportedly entered the ocean around dawn after visiting a nightclub. A massive wave knocked us off our feet,Riibe stated during questioning. The current pulled us both underwater—I tried to keep her head above the waves while swimming to shore.
Dominican authorities have recovered surveillance footage showing Riibe returning alone to his hotel hours after the incident. While officials emphasize he’s not considered a suspect, the prosecutor’s office confirmed expanding their investigation beyond accidental drowning scenarios. Spring break tourism safety has come under renewed scrutiny, with the Dominican Republic recording 14 water-related traveler deaths in the past three years according to State Department data.
Riibe’s parents have raised concerns about their son’s treatment by local authorities, alleging he was questioned without proper legal representation. Josh remains devastated by Sudiksha’s disappearance,they said in a statement. We urge investigators to follow all leads while respecting judicial protocols.The Konanki family has launched a social media campaign to maintain public awareness, sharing photos of the neuroscience major whose bright future was cut short.
Travel safety experts recommend spring breakers follow three crucial precautions: always swim with a sober companion, verify lifeguard patrol schedules, and share real-time location data with trusted contacts. The Dominican Republic’s National Police continue combing beaches with canine units, though rough surf conditions have complicated search efforts. This tragedy follows similar incidents in Cancún and Jamaica, highlighting the hidden dangers of tropical vacations.
As the investigation enters its third week, unanswered questions linger about the beach’s safety conditions and emergency response protocols. University of Pittsburgh officials have announced plans for a campus vigil while urging students to exercise caution during recreational travel. The case underscores the need for improved international cooperation in tourist safety initiatives and crisis response training for hospitality workers.
