Family of Missing College Student in Dominican Republic Accepts Drowning Scenario

In a touching statement, the family of Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student missing in the Dominican Republic, expressed their belief that she may have drowned. The authorities continue to investigate her disappearance while conducting extensive search operations.

The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old college student who vanished during her spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, have stated they are coming to terms with the possibility that she may have drowned. The family issued this emotional statement seeking privacy for their healing process amid the ongoing investigation and search efforts following her disappearance on March 6.

In an announcement made by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, Sudiksha’s family conveyed their sorrow and belief that she may have drowned, while emphasizing that the final determination would rest with local authorities in the Dominican Republic. The sheriff’s office will continue to assist the Konanki family during this extremely challenging time as they review the available evidence.

In a heartbreaking interview shared by Fox 5 DC, Sudiksha’s father mentioned, “We have accepted that our daughter has drowned,” reflecting the family's agony as they navigate their loss. He added that this realization has been “incredibly difficult” for them to process. The emotional gravity of the situation was further underlined by her mother’s visible distress during the address.

Sudiksha was last seen at a beach in Punta Cana early on the morning of March 6, with an unnamed friend who is currently under investigation. This individual, whose name has not been made public due to the absence of criminal charges, attended a court hearing in Higüey where a judge permitted him movement without police supervision.

The unfortunate college student had traveled with five friends to the Hotel Riu Republica in Punta Cana, arriving in the Dominican Republic on March 3. Her mysterious disappearance triggered a large-scale search operation in a country reliant on tourism, engaging over 300 agents.

Upon learning of Sudiksha's disappearance, the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic notified local authorities, prompting an exhaustive search of the area around the beach using drones, helicopters, divers, boats, and canine units. The investigation is being supported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as noted by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Hearty contributions to the reporting came from Hogla Enecia Pérez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, amidst these unfolding tragic events.