CAROLINE KLEIN has died from a rare form of cancer just hours after posting her final message.
The NBA executive passed away at the age of 40 after battling Stage 4 proximal Type Epithelioid Sarcoma in her lungs.
She was diagnosed with a Stage 4 proximal Type Epithelioid Sarcoma in 2023[/caption]
She issued a heartbreaking message on LinkedIn[/caption]
Klein was diagnosed with the condition in August 2023.
The sad news was confirmed on Instagram as her family posted a message from her.
A message said: “If you’re reading this, it’s because my lungs have taken their final breath, and my soul is on a thoughtful search for its next great adventure.
“I asked my family to post this message on my behalf.”
But the final message from Klein while she was still alive came on hr LinkedIn account.
The Utah Jazz and NHL‘s Utah Mammoth chief communications officer urged people to live their best lives.
It read: “Remember me for the way I lived. 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.
“But, being the pragmatist I am, my attitude from the start was, ‘it’s what it is,’ and 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.
“As my sister said, I drove an F1 car full speed the entire time from diagnosis to death, seeking laughter, beauty, love, joy, adventure, and awe at every turn, and soaking up every possible moment with the people I love the most.”
Klein continued in her message to thank her husband Mike and all her other loved ones.
She said: “To my wonderful husband, Mike, thank you for helping me do it all right until the end. You loved me fiercely, embraced my wildness, and supported my dreams without hesitation.
“Now, it’s time for you to go live another great act in this life until we meet again in the next.
“To all of my other dear friends and family, I’ll look forward to seeing you in your dreams where we’ll be dancing to 90s hip hop, eating all of the 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.”
Ryan Smith, the chairman of Jazz’s parent company the Smith Entertainment Group has paid tribute to Klein.
He said: “Ash (his wife) 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.
“Working with CK was a highlight of my career. Her presence — and all she shared — Miss you already CK.’
The NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, also issued a statement after her death.
It read: “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.”
