Body Found Near Lake Berryessa, Highway Reopens

Authorities investigating whether discovery is connected to missing San Joaquin County man

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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State Highway 128 near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, California, was closed on Saturday after the discovery of a body, but has since reopened. The investigation has been turned over to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, as it appears the person did not die in Napa County. Authorities are looking into whether the discovery is connected to the disappearance of a 57-year-old man from Tracy, California, who was reported missing on Tuesday.

Why it matters

The discovery of the body near Lake Berryessa raises concerns about public safety in the area and the potential connection to a missing person case in a neighboring county. Authorities are working to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The details

Deputies responded about 8:52 p.m. on Tuesday to the 16000 block of W. Grant Line Road in Tracy to investigate the disappearance of Avtar Singh, 57. Surveillance footage showed Singh entering a white SUV with three unidentified individuals dressed in dark clothing, appearing to do so against his will.

  • The body was discovered on Saturday, February 23, 2026.
  • Avtar Singh was reported missing on Tuesday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Napa County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that initially responded to the discovery of the body near Lake Berryessa and turned the investigation over to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office.

San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency now leading the investigation into the discovery of the body and its potential connection to the disappearance of Avtar Singh.

Avtar Singh

A 57-year-old man who was reported missing on Tuesday, February 20, 2026, after being seen entering a white SUV with three unidentified individuals dressed in dark clothing, appearing to do so against his will.

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What’s next

The San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation to determine the identity of the deceased and whether the discovery is connected to the disappearance of Avtar Singh.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of public safety and the need for law enforcement agencies to work together across jurisdictions to investigate potential crimes and disappearances. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could aid the investigation.