Search Intensifies for Missing Pittsburgh Student in Punta Cana Tragedy

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — The search continues for Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh junior who went missing during a spring break trip in Punta Cana. Konanki disappeared on March 6, shortly after enjoying a night out with friends in the popular tourist destination.

Joshua Riibe, a 22-year-old American from Iowa, is currently a significant focus of the investigation. NBC News caught sight of Riibe on a beach in Punta Cana on Sunday, where he was observed with investigators and his attorney, pointing towards the sea as security officials cordoned off the area.

Riibe could potentially be the last person to have seen Konanki. According to reports, they were swimming together around 4:15 a.m. when a wave crashed over them, causing a chaotic scene. Riibe, who claims to be a former lifeguard, told investigators, “I kept trying to get her to breathe, but that didn’t allow me to breathe all the time, and I swallowed a lot of water.”

After returning to shore alone, Riibe said he thought Konanki had left the beach with her belongings and did not realize she was missing until later. Authorities have since confiscated his passport as part of the investigation, and he is currently under police supervision at the hotel where the group was staying.

Fernando Placeres, the Regional Red Cross Director, stated on Sunday that he had no details regarding whether any additional remains had been discovered. Riibe’s legal team informed NBC News that he is not free to leave the premises as law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Konanki’s disappearance.

In a recent interview, Riibe described the moments leading up to the incident, noting the group had been enjoying their time on the beach when they were overtaken by a powerful wave. “The last time I saw her, I asked if she was OK. I didn’t hear her answer,” he added.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia has labeled Riibe a “person of interest” but clarified that no charges have been filed against him, nor is he considered a suspect at this time. They have sent detectives to assist Dominican authorities as they investigate what is treated as a missing persons case rather than a criminal investigation.

Konanki, who is also an Indian citizen and a legal permanent U.S. resident, was on vacation with five female friends in Punta Cana. According to local reports, her disappearance occurred during a power outage at the hotel, which prompted many guests to frequent the beach.

Dominican President Luis Abinader expressed concern over the ongoing search. “We are concerned. All government agencies are searching… The latest information we have from the last person who was with the young woman indicated that a wave crashed into them,” he said during a press conference.

As authorities continue their investigation, they have interviewed other individuals who were with Konanki before she vanished, but so far, no other parties are believed to have been involved.

Abinader defended the Dominican Republic’s reputation for safety, citing that the popular tourist destination welcomes over 11 million visitors annually with few incidents. The sheriff’s office confirmed they would maintain close coordination with Dominican officials as the search efforts persist.

The community surrounding Konanki remains hopeful for her safe return. Her friends were reportedly unaware of her absence until late afternoon on March 6, marking a distressing period for her family and loved ones as they await further updates.