Utah Jazz Executive Caroline Klein Dies at 40 After Battle With Rare Cancer, Leaves Final Message of Inspiration

Utah Jazz chief communications officer Caroline Klein has died at the age of 40

Caroline Klein, chief communications officer for the Utah Jazz and NHL’s Utah Mammoth, has died at the age of 40 following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive cancer.

Klein was diagnosed in August 2023 with Stage 4 Proximal Type Epithelioid Sarcoma in her lungs. Despite the devastating diagnosis, she continued to work, inspire, and embrace life to the fullest. In a powerful farewell message titled “Remember me for the way I lived” that she scheduled to post on LinkedIn after her passing, Klein urged others to live boldly and unapologetically.

Klein is seen leading a Utah Mammoth press conference on May 7 of this year

“We only have one life to live, and it’s on you to live it to the fullest. So please, try to see every day as a license to LIVE, not just pass the time,” she wrote.

Klein reflected on her journey, describing how she chose to focus on joy rather than fear: “Instead of wasting any time obsessing about how not to die, I spent my cancer journey focusing on how to live the fullest life as much as I could control. And boy, did I live.” She credited her “wonderful husband,” Mike, for supporting her until the end, adding: “You loved me fiercely, embraced my wildness, and supported my dreams without hesitation.”

Klein was highly respected in the communications field and was recognized by the Sports Business Journal in 2024

During her career, Klein made a lasting mark in the sports industry. She joined the Utah Jazz three years ago, where she also managed communications for the Delta Center arena. She was named a Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40” honoree in 2023 and played a pivotal role in organizing the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.

Ryan Smith, chairman of the Jazz’s parent company Smith Entertainment Group, called Klein “one of a kind,” saying, “Working with CK was a highlight of my career. Her presence — and all she shared — will be missed every single day.”

In her final message, Klein encouraged others to 'pursue all of your dreams with an unapologetic determination'

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also paid tribute, stating, “The NBA family mourns the passing of our colleague and friend, Caroline Klein. Her passion, determination, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone she met.”

Before her time in professional sports, Klein built an accomplished career in communications. A graduate of Boston University, she rose to chief communications officer at Preferred Hotels & Resorts and held senior communications roles at several companies.

She thanked her 'wonderful husband Mike' for standing by her through her struggles

In her parting message, Klein reflected on her journey with gratitude and peace: “Do I wish I was able to live another several decades? Of course. But I absolutely loved my life and wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was an amazing run… I was at peace leaving the world knowing that I didn’t leave anything on the table and that I made a great impact on others around me.”

She closed with a note to her loved ones, promising to meet them “in dreams where we’ll be dancing to 90s hip hop, eating dumplings, popcorn, soft serve ice cream, and sour candy, hiking mountain after mountain, cheers’ing endlessly while exploring cities abroad, and laughing and dancing all day and night.”

She was remembered by Ryan Smith, the owner of the Jazz's parent company, as 'one of a kind'