NBA executive Caroline Klein posts heartbreaking final message as she dies of rare cancer at age 40
An NBA executive posted a heart-wrenching final message to LinkedIn on Friday as she died of a rare cancer at age 40.
Caroline Klein, the chief communications officer of the Utah Jazz, had battled Stage 4 Proximal Type Epithelioid Sarcoma in her lungs after being given the diagnosis in August 2023.
In a final message on LinkedIn – titled ‘Remember me for the way I lived,’ Klein encouraged others to ‘pursue all of your dreams with an unapologetic determination.’
‘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, who worked for the Jazz for three years, was a Sports Business Journal ‘Forty Under 40’ honoree last year, and was remembered as ‘one of a kind’ by Ryan Smith, chairman of the Jazz’s parent Smith Entertainment Group.
[His wife] Ash and I and the rest of the SEG team will miss her every single day. She left us a post to read after her passing, a lasting gift and part of her wisdom,’ he said. Working with CK was a highlight of my career. Her presence — and all she shared — Miss you already CK.’
Utah Jazz chief communications officer Caroline Klein has died at the age of 40
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also issued a statement on Klein’s passing, writing: ‘The NBA family mourns the passing of our colleague and friend, Caroline Klein. Caroline was a leader within the Smith Entertainment Group, and across the league.
‘Her passion, determination, and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone she met, and she played a pivotal role in making the 2023 NBA All-Star Game in Utah an unforgettable celebration of the Jazz organization and the Salt Lake City community.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Mike; her family and friends; Ryan and Ashley Smith; and her many colleagues at the Jazz and Utah Mammoth.’
More to follow
