By: Reese Price 

A University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, was declared dead on March 18, 2025. 

As of that date Konanki’s family had asked authorities that she be pronounced dead. Their requests were made to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office, where she grew up, as well as to Dominican Republic authorities. 

“I do believe that she is not alive anymore,” junior Isabella Caruso said. “I think it’s sketchy that her parents were so quick to declare her deceased.” 

She traveled to Punta Cana with several friends for Spring Break. She was last seen on March 6 in the early hours of the morning by the RIU República Hotel beach where they were staying. Surveillance caught her walking with her group of friends towards the beach. After her friends left, her whereabouts were unclear. 

“I heard about Konanki when I was at my grandparents’ house,” junior Rhea Outly said. “They were in Punta Cana at the time when she went missing.” 

She was originally from Loudoun County, Virginia and was attending the University of Pittsburgh. She was pursuing a degree in biological sciences and chemistry in hopes of securing a job in the medical field. She and her friends left for the Dominican Republic on March 3, looking to spend their Spring Break together relaxing.  

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A picture of the resort in Punta Cana where the Outlys stay.

Photo Courtesy: Rhea Outly

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Joshua Riibe, a St. Cloud State University student, was with her and was the last known person to have seen her. He was named a person of interest but is not considered to be a suspect. Investigators stated that he cooperated with them throughout the process and believe that he is not responsible. 

“I don’t think that Riibe is responsible,” Outly said. “It was all just suspicious that she went missing the night that he met her.” 

He claims they went for a swim and were caught up in a large wave. According to various sources, he “threw up” on the beach due to the amounts of ocean water he consumed. He said he tried to call for her but eventually passed out after receiving no response. 

“I feel like he’s just saying anything and everything he can to get himself out of the interrogations,” Outly said. 

Authorities issued extensive searches including using drones, helicopters, dive teams and a yellow notice was also issued by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). A yellow notice is used as a global police alert used to locate missing people. Riibe was also taken into custody and repeatedly questioned by investigators. 

“I think the guy she was with definitely could have been a part of it,” Caruso said. “He either killed her or he did not get her the proper help she needed if she was drowning or in danger.” 

Konanki’s disappearance has deeply impacted students and families in the Pittsburgh area. Many students around the area traveled for Spring Break and are now more aware of the potential dangers. The University of Pittsburgh’s community has offered full support in the search for her. 

“I wish I was hopeful for a happy ending to the situation, but [I] don’t think I’ve seen enough to allow me there,” History teacher Mr. Matthew Boe said.