Buckhead Executive Accidentally Shot By Husband: Report

ATLANTA, GA — Updated 11:53 am — A spokesman for the Atlanta lawyer whose wife was shot and killed earlier this week says Claud "Tex" McIver accidentally shot Diane McIver because he was worried about carjackers.

The Fulton Report quoted Bill Crane, who is acting as a spokesman for Claud McIver. Crane said McIver pulled the gun in fear of carjackers when the gun accidentally went off and shot Diane McIver, who was sitting in the front seat of the SUV.

The incident happened near Piedmont Park late Sunday night. Diane McIver was taken to Emory University Hospital and died from her injuries early Monday morning.

A report from the AJC on Friday quotes Crane as saying the gun went off when the SUV hit a bump in the road.

An autopsy report issued by the Fulton County Medical Examiner on Thursday listed Diane McIver's cause of death as a homicide, but police have not said if any charges will be filed.

• See also: Buckhead Executive's Shooting Death Ruled a Homicide

Diane McIver served as president of Corey Airport Services, an Atlanta-based marketing company whose logo adorns a smokestack-like structure on the downtown connector. According to his bio on the firm's website, McIver's legal career spans 40 years from the military to private practice. He is also a member of the American Bar Association's committee on gun violence.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Tex and his family," according to a statement from Fisher & Phillips. "This is an unthinkable tragedy for a wonderful couple, both of them distinguished members of the Atlanta business community. Diane McIver was a wonderful wife and a successful executive who will be greatly missed by everyone whose life she touched. Tex McIver is a respected law partner with deep community ties. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.”

In the report, Crane said the McIvers were en route back to their Buckhead home from their Putnam County farm. They had hired a driver -- who has not been identified -- to bring them home when the driver made a detour into Midtown to avoid a Downtown Connector traffic jam.

The driver got lost after making a wrong turn off Edgewood Avenue, and finally reached Piedmont Avenue around 12th Street. Crane said McIver saw some pedestrians nearby who he believed were threatening. That's when McIver -- who was in the back seat -- reached for a gun that he kept in the front seat console between the driver and passenger seats.

Crane said the gun was wrapped in a plastic grocery bag.

"Mr. McIver was trying to get it out of the bag. It discharged and shot into the back of the front seat, where his wife, Diane McIver, was riding as passenger," Crane said. "It was a tragic accident," said Crane.

• See also: Shooting Victim Identified As Prominent Buckhead Executive

• See also: Woman, Shot Killed in Car Near Piedmont Park

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