Josh Riibe Departs Dominican Republic Amid Sudiksha Konanki Disappearance

Authorities conducted thorough searches, while the family believes the missing student may have drowned.

Joshua Steven Riibe, the individual last seen with college student Sudiksha Konanki before her disappearance during a spring break trip, has departed the Dominican Republic following an extensive questioning process. Riibe, 22, left for the United States with his father on Wednesday night, as confirmed by his legal representation from Guzmán Ariza law firm.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student from the University of Pittsburgh, went missing on March 6 while vacationing in Punta Cana with friends. Her parents have expressed their belief that she may have drowned.

According to an official statement from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, Riibe was not considered a suspect in the case. He is a senior at St. Cloud State University and hails from Rock Rapids, Iowa. Reports state that during a court hearing in Higüey, Riibe mentioned being held in the country for ten days, expressing his desire to return home.

Dominican authorities had reportedly confiscated his passport, but Riibe was able to apply for a new one at the United States Consulate, which was issued promptly. A spokesperson for the State Department confirmed his departure from the country.

On the night of Konanki’s disappearance, she was seen with Riibe near a beach in Punta Cana. Representatives from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office disclosed that detectives interviewed Riibe on March 13, noting his cooperation throughout the investigation. An official also indicated that Riibe had attempted to rescue her from the water.

In the wake of Sudiksha's disappearance, Dominican authorities initiated a comprehensive search in the immediate vicinity, deploying drones, helicopters, police dogs, and divers in their efforts. Meanwhile, Konanki’s family remains hopeful, while her father stated they do not believe Riibe acted wrongly during the incident.