A key witness in the case of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki has the support of his community, according to a statement released by friends of his family on Sunday evening.

Konanki, a 20-year-old Virginia resident, was last seen walking on the beach outside the Riu Republica Resort in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic in the early hours of March 6, according to authorities. 

The lone known eyewitness in the case, 22-year-old Joshua Riibe, of Iowa, has been questioned by authorities from various agencies as they seek answers in Konanki’s disappearance. He was the last person seen with Konanki while they were staying at the resort with their friends for spring break.

Friends of the Riibe family released a statement affirming their support for the college student, who has been described as a “key element” in the missing person investigation. He has not been named a suspect, nor has any crime been alleged.

Local authorities search for missing U.S. student, Sudiksha Konanki, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Friday, March 14, 2025. (Fox News Digital)

Riibe has been joined in the Dominican Republic by his parents.

Authorities revealed Saturday that his passport had been confiscated.