Sher Singh was at Donegal's liquor store when it's believed he witnessed an attempted robbery and tried to stop it. (CBC)

Hours after a Good Samaritan reportedly confronted a man for attempting to steal a bottle of vodka from a liquor store in Surrey, B.C., he was found dead.

The RCMP Integrated Homicide Investigation Team is investigating the events that led to the death of Sher Singh, 53, earlier this week, after an altercation broke out at Donegal's Cold Beer and Wine Store.

It's believed a man was trying to steal a bottle of vodka when Singh confronted him and was hit and knocked to the ground. The shoplifter raced out of the store.

Fifteen hours later, Singh was found dead at a friend's house.

RCMP Cpl. Dale Carr said police have a suspect but so far have not made an arrest.

"An autopsy was performed, and during the autopsy it was determined that his death was suspicious, likely because of foul play."

Employees of Donegal's, who knew Singh as a regular patron, are mourning his sudden death.

"He was a fixture," said Daniel Cook, general manager of Donegal's Pub, next door to the liquor store.

"Singh was always there. He was the one guy you could always count on.… He was one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet."