The family of a student who disappeared while on Spring Break in the Dominican Republic is seeking to have her declared deceased due to their devastating loss.
Sudiksha Konanki, a 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, vanished earlier this month while vacationing with friends in the Dominican Republic. She was last observed in the early hours of March 6 alongside a ‘person of interest’. Her parents, Subbarayudu and Sreedevi Konanki, are convinced that their daughter tragically drowned.
In a statement, Sudiksha’s father expressed their sorrow: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we are coming to the terms with the fact that our daughter has drowned. This is incredibly difficult for us to process.”
“We kindly ask you to keep our daughter in your prayers. We still have two young children to care for, and they are at a very tender age. In light of this, we respectfully request some space, time and privacy to focus on healing us and helping our children recover as we try to move forward with our lives,” he added.
Despite the absence of her body, Sudiksha’s grieving parents wish to have her legally declared deceased.
According to a letter sent by the parents to Dominican authorities, which has been obtained by CNN, investigators share the belief that the 20-year-old drowned, noting that ‘no evidence of foul play has been found’.
Consequently, they have urged the police to ‘proceed with the legal declaration of her death’. The letter further states, “We understand that certain legal procedures must be followed and are prepared to comply with any necessary formalities or documentation.”
Subbarayudu and Sreedevi seek this declaration to help them ‘begin the grieving process and address matters related to her absence’.
Attorney Phillip DiLucente, specializing in personal injury and criminal defense, explained that this process could provide closure for the family, enabling them to open an estate and manage a will.
READ MORE: Parents of missing university student share what they believe happened to their daughter
The legal declaration might also allow the family to pursue a lawsuit if desired, though the Konanki family has not expressed intentions to sue over Sudiksha’s disappearance.
The family’s request is backed by the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia, where they reside, although the ultimate decision rests with Dominican authorities.
Sheriff’s spokesperson Thomas Julia informed CNN, “That still does not confirm exactly what happened and we may never know with certainty, but Sheriff (Mike) Chapman believes the investigation in the DR should be completed before the case is closed.”
It is noted that in the Dominican Republic, declaring someone deceased typically requires finding a body or evidence of a crime.
Dominican attorney Julio Cury stated that declaring Sudiksha dead without these elements would necessitate a special law enacted by the country’s Congress or the president.