Who was this in my AP experience?

I had a mysterious astral experience recently.  It began as a dream (not lucid) and seemed to become an astral experience.  I saw a man that I used to be in love with in my real, waking life.  In real life he did not know me.  He is now deceased. 

In my experience, I saw him, went to him and embraced him.  It was extremely real and was definitely an astral experience of some kind.  I could feel the texture of his shirt, etc.  I had a very calm feeling of warmth and affection and peace. 

I am wondering who it was that I was embracing?  In my real life, I didn't have a relationship with the man I loved, and he did not even know me.  Is it possible I had a soul connection with this man?  Or if not, I'd like to know who could it have been?  I had a very strong feeling that I was meeting with another person entirely separate from myself; relating to another being and not dreaming alone.  I'm very curious who this could have been and why it would have happened within a dream about the man I loved.

I'm very grateful for your input.  Thank you.