A University of Pittsburgh student has gone missing while vacationing in the Dominican Republic for Spring Break, sparking an urgent search effort.
20-year-old Sudiksha Konanki was last seen in the early hours of Thursday morning at the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana, a popular tourist destination on the island’s eastern coast. According to reports, she vanished around 4:50 AM after taking a walk on the beach.
A missing persons alert circulating online describes Konanki as 5’3″ with black hair. At the time of her disappearance, she was reportedly wearing a brown bikini along with earrings, an anklet, and multiple bracelets.
The University of Pittsburgh has issued a statement confirming they are actively working with authorities both in the Dominican Republic and in Virginia, where Konanki is from, to aid in the search.
Rescue efforts are in full force, with Defensa Civil… an emergency response team… leading the search. Photos shared online show crews in bright orange jackets scouring the area for any sign of the missing student.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding Konanki’s disappearance. Anyone with information is urged to contact local officials immediately.
