Family of Missing Pitt Student Requests Legal Death Declaration in Dominican Republic
Sudiksha Konanki’s family has requested Dominican authorities to declare her legally dead after she went missing during a spring break trip. Authorities think she drowned, and the last person with her, Joshua Riibe, is cooperating with the investigation. Sheriff Chapman expressed support for the grieving family.
The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, has formally requested Dominican Republic authorities to declare her legally dead. This plea comes nearly two weeks after she vanished during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. Her parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki, indicated that authorities suspect she drowned, stating that “initiating the death declaration process will allow our family to begin the grieving process.”
In a letter to Dominican authorities, they expressed the need for closure. Sudiksha’s father emphasized that both local and U.S. authorities have confirmed the high ocean waves at the time, contributing to their understanding of the tragedy. He said, “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned.”
The last known person with Sudiksha, Joshua Riibe, is collaborating with the investigation. Her parents noted that there is no evidence of foul play. Riibe is a 22-year-old Minnesota student who claims they were both swept into the ocean but believed Sudiksha made it back to shore safely.
Authorities indicated that Konanki is presumed to have drowned in the early hours of March 6. Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman voiced his support for the Konanki family, recognizing their distress during this tragic situation. He stated, “We cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling.”
Sudiksha Konanki was last seen on a beach adjacent to the Riu República hotel, where she was vacationing with friends. Surveillance footage captured her walking toward the beach with a group, including Riibe. His legal representatives are seeking a habeas corpus hearing as they believe he is being unlawfully detained.
Sudiksha Konanki’s family is taking steps towards healing by seeking a legal declaration of her death after her disappearance during a spring break trip. Current investigations suggest she drowned, with the last individual seen with her cooperating with authorities. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office continues to support the Konanki family amidst their tragic loss.
Original Source: www.kwxx.com
