Pitt Student's Disappearance in Dominican Republic: Tragic Drowning Suspected?

2025-03-10 12:05:25.63

Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, disappeared in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Authorities believe she drowned after being caught in a large wave while swimming with another person early Thursday morning. Konanki had been at the beach with six friends, but most left earlier. She and the other person remained and went for a swim. A police report mentions a large wave. The other person was questioned, but it's unclear if they were also a Pitt student. Konanki was last seen on surveillance video around 4:15 a.m. Thursday wearing a brown bikini and jewelry. An extensive search involving helicopters and drones was conducted, but unsuccessful. While Dominican authorities suspect drowning, Loudoun County Sheriff's office, where Konanki is from, states there's no evidence to support that conclusion yet.