The parents of 20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki, who went missing while vacationing in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, have tragically accepted the possibility that their daughter has drowned, according to a statement released by officials on Tuesday. This admission comes as the search for the University of Pittsburgh student, who disappeared on March 6, continues to capture global headlines.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic have mobilized drones, helicopters, divers, and police dogs in a comprehensive search effort around Punta Cana following the report of her disappearance. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in Virginia issued a statement affirming the family’s belief in Sudiksha’s presumed drowning and pledged support as investigations proceed.
In an emotional video shared on Fox 5 DC, her father tearfully expressed the family's heartache, stating, “We have accepted that our daughter has drowned,” while her mother sobbed beside him. They have respectfully requested privacy to grieve and heal during this painful period.
Sudiksha was last seen on March 6 at a local beach, reportedly with a companion who's now under investigation, adding to the complexity of the case. Although this individual has not been charged with a crime, the ongoing inquiry has drawn scrutiny.
The student was staying at the Hotel Riu Republica in Punta Cana with five friends, having arrived just days earlier, on March 3. Her disappearance triggered an extensive search effort in a region that heavily relies on tourism, prompting assistance from the FBI as well.
More than 300 search agents are actively involved in looking for Sudiksha, showcasing the urgency of the situation. The U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic alerted national police, igniting the large-scale search.
The case remains under active investigation, as both local authorities and Konanki's family seek answers amid their devastating loss. Hogla Enecia Pérez has contributed reporting from Santo Domingo, adding further details to this ongoing story. Aimee Ortiz has been keeping the public informed on this critical situation.
