Diane Ivins was the wife of the late Fort Detrick microbiologist Bruce E. Ivins. Dr. Ivins reportedly committed suicide on July 29, 2008, after learning he was about to be charged with crimes in relation to the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks.

In the weeks following the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, anthrax attacks claimed the lives of five people, and made 17 people seriously ill. Letters laced with deadly anthrax spores were mailed to congressional offices and media outlets. Dr. Bruce E. Ivins, considered one of the leading biodefense researchers in the U.S., was reportedly about to be charged in connection with the attacks when he committed suicide on July 29, 2008.Los Angeles Times: Apparent Suicide in Anthrax Case (August 1, 2008)CNN.com: Report: Anthrax Suspect Kills Self Before Filing of Criminal Charges (August 1, 2008}