The parents of Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old student who disappeared during a spring break trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, have reluctantly accepted the possibility that their daughter drowned. In an emotional statement made on Tuesday, they requested privacy as they navigate this painful reality. Sudiksha was reported missing on March 6, prompting a substantial search effort involving drones, helicopters, and police dogs.
According to authorities, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia confirmed that the family believes Sudiksha has drowned, although official confirmation would come from Dominican authorities. “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,” they stated.
In a video shared on Fox 5 DC, Sudiksha's father expressed the family's heart-wrenching acceptance of her presumed fate, noting that the process has been devastating. Their plea for “time and privacy to focus on healing” resonated with many, as they continue to grieve.
Last seen at a beach in Punta Cana with an unnamed man who is under investigation, Sudiksha's case has captivated media attention, adding pressure to the ongoing search and investigations. The man was present during a court hearing but has not been charged. After arriving in the Dominican Republic on March 3, Sudiksha was vacationing at the Hotel Riu Republica with friends. The U.S. Embassy alerted local officials about her disappearance, leading to an extensive search operation in a region that heavily relies on tourism.
More than 300 agents have been involved in the search, with the FBI also assisting in the investigation, as Sudiksha's family holds on to hope amid overwhelming sorrow.
