Remembering Caroline Klein: A Legacy of Courage, Inspiration, and Leadership
The sports world is mourning the loss of Caroline Klein, the dynamic Chief Communications Officer of the Utah Jazz and the NHL’s Utah Mammoth, who passed away at just 40 years old after a brave battle with a rare cancer.
Klein was diagnosed in August 2023 with Stage 4 Proximal Type Epithelioid Sarcoma, a devastating and aggressive cancer that attacked her lungs. Despite the crushing diagnosis, she faced her illness with remarkable strength, grace, and determination—qualities that defined her career and her life.
In her final message, shared on LinkedIn and poignantly titled “Remember me for the way I lived,” Klein urged others to embrace life without hesitation. “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. Her words, filled with resilience and hope, reflect the same passion that guided her work and inspired those around her.
Klein also expressed deep gratitude for her husband, Mike, and shared that while her diagnosis hit her “like a Mack Truck,” she chose not to dwell on dying. Instead, she focused on living. “My attitude from the start was, ‘it’s what it is,’ and instead of wasting 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.”
A respected leader in the world of sports communications, Klein’s contributions went far beyond press releases and public statements. She was recognized by the Sports Business Journal in 2024 for her excellence and influence in the industry, solidifying her reputation as one of the brightest minds in her field. Whether leading a press conference or shaping the public image of the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth, she left a mark of professionalism, creativity, and compassion.
Though her life was tragically cut short, Caroline Klein’s legacy is one of courage, optimism, and unwavering drive. Her final message serves as a reminder to all: chase your dreams unapologetically, love deeply, and live fully.
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