Family of Missing Student Sudiksha Konanki Seeks Legal Death Declaration

Sudiksha Konanki’s family has requested a legal death declaration from Dominican authorities as they believe she drowned during a spring break trip. Joshua Riibe, the last person seen with her, is cooperating with the investigation, and authorities have indicated no foul play is suspected. The Loudoun County Sheriff has offered support to the grieving family.

The family of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student who has been missing since a spring break trip to Punta Cana, has requested that authorities in the Dominican Republic declare her legally dead. This request comes nearly two weeks after her disappearance, and her family believes she may have drowned, according to statements provided by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

In a letter to Dominican officials, Sudiksha’s parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki, expressed their desire to initiate the death declaration process. They stated, “This will allow our family to begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence. While no declaration can truly ease our grief, we trust that this step will bring some closure and enable us to honor her memory.”

Furthermore, the father of Sudiksha Konanki shared details about the investigation with the New York Post, clarifying, “Both sides of the authorities have shown us how high the ocean waves were at the time of the incident… It is with deep sadness that we are coming to terms with the fact our daughter has drowned.”

Joshua Riibe, the 22-year-old who was swimming with Konanki the night she went missing, is alleged to be the last person to see her alive and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Konanki’s parents mentioned, “The individual last seen with her is cooperating… and no evidence of foul play has been found.”

Authorities believe Konanki likely drowned in the early hours of March 6. Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman remarked, “While a final decision to make such a declaration rests with authorities in the Dominican Republic, we will support the Konanki family in every way possible… The disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki is tragic, and we cannot imagine the grief her family has been feeling.”

Surveillance footage captured Konanki walking toward the ocean with a group shortly before her disappearance. Riibe, who has not faced any charges, asserted that a large wave swept them into the water, and he thought Konanki had emerged safely.

Additionally, his legal team is pursuing a habeas corpus hearing, citing concerns over illegal detention and potential custody.

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The tragic disappearance of Sudiksha Konanki has prompted her family to formally request a death declaration from Dominican authorities, enabling them to proceed with the grieving process. Both her family and authorities believe she drowned, with ongoing investigations addressing contributions from individuals present during the incident. The community and law enforcement continue to support the Konanki family during this devastating time.

Original Source: www.kwxx.com