Missing University of Pittsburgh Student Disappears While On Spring Break In The Dominican Republic — Here’s What The Person On Interest Is Saying

Sudiksha Konanki Vanishes During Spring Break In Punta Cana

Authorities, family members, and friends are in a state of panic and heartbreak after University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki mysteriously disappeared while on a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic.

Konanki, just 20 years old and studying biology, had jetted off to Punta Cana on March 3 with five of her college friends. But the trip took a devastating turn in the early morning hours of March 6.

According to Dominican Republic’s National Police, security footage captured Konanki and a group heading toward the beach at the Riu Republica Resort, where they were staying. That footage, timestamped around 4:15 a.m., would be the last confirmed sighting of the young student.

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While her college friends reportedly returned to the hotel about 40 minutes later, Konanki allegedly stayed behind with a few new acquaintances she’d met on the trip. One of them—Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old senior from Minnesota—has since been named a person of interest, though police emphasize he is not considered a suspect.

What The Person Of Interest Is Saying About That Night

So, what really happened on that beach? According to Riibe, he and Sudiksha had walked into the ocean together. In a statement provided to Dominican Republic authorities, he claimed their night turned dangerous after a strong wave hit them both unexpectedly.

“I was a lifesaver. I grabbed her and pulled her out,” Riibe told the Public Ministry, as quoted by Dominican Republic’s Noticias Sin.

He described a tender moment that quickly escalated into chaos: they were talking and kissing when a wave suddenly swept them deeper into the water. “A big wave came and hit us both and as the water returned, it came back and swept us out to sea,” he explained.

According to Riibe, he tried to save Konanki by putting her under his arm and swimming back to the beach. But he admitted the rescue was difficult.

“It took me a long time to get her out, it was difficult. I was a lifeguard in the pool, not in the sea,” he added.

Details From The Final Moments Riibe Saw Konanki

Riibe said Konanki mentioned going to retrieve her belongings after being pushed away from the area they’d set up earlier that night. He claimed she was in knee-deep water, walking at an angle when he last saw her.

“The last time I saw her, I asked her if she was OK,” Riibe said. “I didn’t hear her answer because I started vomiting all the sea water I had swallowed. After I threw up, I looked around and didn’t see anyone. I thought she had grabbed her things and left.”

He also claimed he was so disoriented from the water that he passed out in a beach chair, only to be awakened later by sunlight and mosquito bites.

“I could have lost consciousness several times,” he told officials.

While early theories pointed to an accidental drowning, officials now say they haven’t ruled out the possibility of foul play.

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Family And Friends Call For Justice And Answers

Back home, Konanki’s loved ones are devastated and pushing for answers. Her parents have been vocal, calling on U.S. and Dominican authorities to fully investigate what happened that morning.

At this point, questions still outweigh answers—and the clock is ticking.

The Search For Truth Continues

As the investigation continues, we’re all hoping for truth, clarity, or justice.

If you’ve been following this case, drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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