A Tracy man found dead near Lake Berryessa Friday afternoon had been wrongly targeted as part of a kidnapping plot that took place three days earlier, an official said Monday, Feb. 23.

Avtar Singh was abducted Tuesday, Feb. 17, from a Gurdwara Gur Nanak Parkash temple on West Grant Road in Tracy, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday morning. The matter is still being investigated and Heather Brent, a sheriff’s spokesperson, said she couldn’t disclose why investigators suspect a case of mistaken identity, if the intended target of the kidnapping has been identified or if anyone is under police protection.

In a GoFundMe fundraiser account, loved ones remembered Singh as a husband, father to triplets and “a beloved sevadaar” of Tracy Gurdwara Sahib, a place of assembly and worship for the Sikh community.

“What began as a deeply concerning disappearance has ended in an unimaginable loss for his family and the entire Sangat,” the GoFundMe post reads in part.

Singh was abducted about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday by three people in a white SUV, authorities said. Surveillance footage did not clearly identify any of the kidnappers, but it appeared Singh did not want to go with them.“There was a struggle, but it was three against one,” Brent said.

Temple staffers were on the property but had gone inside that afternoon because of rain, investigators said. More than six hours passed before anyone noticed Singh was missing and notified authorities about his disappearance.

About 3:20 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office investigated a body discovered in the area of Highway 128, between Wragg Canyon Road and Monticello Dam.

The site is nearly 90 miles from where authorities said Singh was abducted.

San Joaquin officials confirmed to The Press Democrat over the weekend the body may be linked to the kidnapping.

The connection was publicly confirmed just before 7 a.m. Monday. Brent said the SUV was discovered at the scene but would not comment on Singh’s cause of death or if a weapon was found.

“Our detectives are working tirelessly to investigate this case and identify those responsible for this terrible act,” San Joaquin officials said in Monday’s announcement. “Based on the information known at this time, this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no known ongoing threat to the community.”

According to the GoFundMe account, Singh served the Gurdwara for over 20 years and had been a dedicated volunteer. He was known for his humility, quiet dedication and loving nature “that made everyone feel like family.”

“His absence leaves a profound void in our community,” loved ones wrote in the account.

Donations will go toward funeral expenses and Singh’s family.

“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask the community to come together in support of the family as they navigate this heartbreaking loss,” loved ones wrote.

Temple officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

A number of people posted comments on its Facebook page mourning Singh’s death and abduction.

“As we grieve his untimely passing, may the culprits responsible for this tragedy be brought to justice, and may his family find the strength and comfort they need in this unimaginably difficult time,” one person wrote.

You can reach Staff Writer Colin Atagi at colin.atagi@pressdemocrat.com.