Nikoui graduated from Norco High School in 2019 and served in JROTC. He is survived by his mother, father and siblings, the city said.

“Kareem was one of the JROTC kids that we saw during a ceremony,” said Norco City Councilmember Ted Hoffman. “I think he was a part of the 21-gun salute that we had here.”

Norco High School Principal Robert Ibbetson said his son was in the ROTC at the same time as Nikoui.

“Just a good kid. Really had a strong energy about him and knew what he wanted to do,” Ibbetson said. “It was neat to see that kind of direction and drive and goal-setting.”