SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — A 31-year-old Southern Illinois native was killed Tuesday while working in Iraq.

According to FSD, a humanitarian organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, Brandon Pinson, was killed Tuesday after an improvised explosive device exploded near Tel al-Shear, Iraq.

The Benton native was reportedly defusing an explosive device when the accident happened.

FSD says Pinson was supervising one of 12 teams in Iraq aiming at clearing improvised explosive devices left behind by the Islamic State in and around villages when they withdrew from the area in late 2016.

FSD says Pinson was a seasoned explosive ordnance disposal technician with ten years of experience in the field.

Pinson leaves behind a wife and two children. His parents still live in Benton.