Joshua Riibe Returns to U.S. After Dominican Republic Investigation into Sudiksha Konanki's Disappearance

Riibe was the last person seen with Konanki, who is believed to have drowned during a spring break trip, as her family seeks a legal declaration of death.

Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, went missing on March 6, 2025, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and authorities believe she likely drowned due to rough ocean conditions.
Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old college student and the last person seen with Konanki, has cooperated with authorities and was never considered a suspect in her disappearance.
After a Dominican judge ruled on March 18 that Riibe could move freely within the country, he obtained a new passport from the U.S. Consulate and returned to the United States on March 19.
Konanki's parents have formally requested that Dominican authorities declare their daughter legally dead to begin the grieving process and address legal matters related to her absence.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the complexities of international legal processes and the emotional toll on families seeking closure after such tragedies.