University Student, 20, Disappears During Spring Break in the Dominican Republic – Details
ArchiveFirst published March 10, 2025. It may not reflect later developments.
A University of Pittsburgh student, Sudiksha Konanki, disappeared while on a spring break trip to the Dominican Republic. The 20-year-old from Virginia was last seen early Thursday near the Riu República Hotel in Punta Cana. Authorities are investigating her last known movements through surveillance footage and witness accounts.
Konanki had planned to attend a party at the resort on March 6. Security footage captured her walking to the beach at 4:15 a.m. with seven others—five women and two American men. At 5:55 a.m., five women and one man left, leaving Konanki with the other man. Another camera later showed him leaving alone at 9:55 a.m. Her friends reported her missing at 4 p.m.
Authorities, including the Dominican National Police, Civil Defense, and the Tourism Police, have launched a widespread search using drones, helicopters, and ground teams. “They searched using helicopters and other tools… around the same areas,” said her father, Subbarayudu Konanki.
Her family is urging officials to consider all possibilities, including kidnapping. The University of Pittsburgh and U.S. authorities are assisting, while the Riu hotel chain stated, “The safety and well-being of our guests are our highest priority.”
