Joshua Riibe Returns to U.S. as Search for Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Scaled Back

Authorities believe Konanki likely drowned in rough waters during a spring break trip, and her parents have requested a legal declaration of death.

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, disappeared on March 6 during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Authorities concluded Konanki likely drowned due to rough ocean conditions, and her parents have accepted this explanation, requesting a legal declaration of death.
Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with Konanki, testified that they were caught in rough surf, and he last saw her walking in knee-deep water before passing out on the beach.
A Dominican judge ruled Riibe as a witness, not a suspect, and he obtained a new passport with U.S. Embassy assistance to return to the United States.
After nearly two weeks of extensive search efforts involving multiple agencies, the search for Konanki has been scaled back, with no evidence of foul play found.