Caroline Klein

Caroline Klein, a trailblazing communications executive whose professional talent, adventurous spirit, and zest for life inspired colleagues and friends, died on Aug. 21 at the age of 40. She is remembered not only for transforming Smith Entertainment Group's media and community platforms but also for living life with boundless curiosity and courage, even while navigating a terminal cancer diagnosis of proximal-type epithelioid sarcoma.

Klein joined Smith Entertainment Group, the owner of Utah's NBA and NHL franchises, in 2022 as Chief Communications Officer and quickly became indispensable, overseeing the Utah Jazz's broadcasting, public relations, and community initiatives. She led the 50th-anniversary documentary for the Jazz, launched the streaming service Jazz+, heralded an NHL team in Utah, the Utah Mammoth, and expanded the streaming service to UtahHC+ for the team's inaugural season. SEG owners Ryan and Ashley Smith praised her exceptional leadership, her ability to unite teams, champion colleagues, and deliver visionary projects. Her professional achievements were recognized most recently when she was named to Sports Business Journal's 2024 "Forty Under 40" list and as Divine Savior Holy Angel's 2023 Alumna of the Year.

Beyond her professional life, Klein's adventurous spirit was central to her identity. In just the last year, she hiked Bhutan's iconic Tiger's Nest monastery, explored the Italian Dolomites, safaried in Botswana, visited the Taj Mahal, sunbathed in Cassis, ate her way around Mexico City, and traveled to many U.S. National Parks and cities with family and friends. Her love of the outdoors and hiking defined her lifestyle, and she eagerly shared these passions with her nieces, nephews, and loved ones. Even during treatment, she found ways to embrace adventure, blending her travels and experiences with her commitment to living fully.

In February 2024, Klein became engaged to her longtime partner, Mike Gartlan, who remained her steadfast support, and they married in August 2024 in Utah, celebrating a week later in Porto, Portugal, with family, friends, and SEG colleagues.

Klein's ethos of living fully extended to everyone she met. In her own words: "I want everyone to remember me for the way I lived, not the way I died. And with that in mind, will you do me a favor? Keep asking yourself 'why not?' and 'why wait?' and 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."

Caroline Klein is survived by her husband, Mike Gartlan; her parents, Dennis and Barbara Klein; siblings, Megan Klein, Joe Klein (Claire), Mike Klein (Jackie); one niece and five nephews; her best friend Becca Shaffer, and a close circle of friends and colleagues who admired her courage, warmth, and relentless pursuit of life's possibilities. Her legacy endures in the lives she touched, the initiatives she led, and the adventures she embraced.

To respect Caroline's wishes, there will be no formal funeral, and instead the family will be hosting a celebration of her life at home with close friends.

Salt Lake City -