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SALT LAKE CITY \u2013 <\/em>\u00a0Caroline Klein, the chief communication officer for the Smith Entertainment Group, has passed away at the age of 40 after a multi-year battle with cancer.<\/p>\n Klein was hired by the organization in 2022, working across public relations, community relations, and broadcasting for both the Jazz and the Utah Mammoth.<\/p>\n Related: Caroline Klein Named Jazz CCO<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Though fans will largely recognize Klein from her appearances leading press conferences for the Smith Entertainment Group, her full impact with the organization will be felt for years to come.<\/p>\n Commissioner Bettman\u2019s statement on the passing of Caroline Klein: https:\/\/t.co\/TOIBSceKjr<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/FSswoJdLRl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) August 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n During her three years in Utah, Klein helped develop SEG+, the streaming platform for the Jazz and Mammoth, while relaunching the team\u2019s broadcasts on KJZZ in the Intermountain West.<\/p>\n She also oversaw the production of the \u201cNote Worthy: 50 Seasons of Jazz Basketball,\u201d which launched in the summer of 2024.<\/p>\n Related: 50th anniversary documentary is a must-watch for NBA fans<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cUtah lost a legend yesterday in the passing of Caroline Klein,\u201d Charman and CEO of the Smith Entertainment Group said. \u201cShe was truly one of a kind, [Ashley] and I and the rest of the SEG team will miss her every single day.\u201d<\/p>\n Utah lost a legend yesterday in the passing of Caroline Klein. She was truly one of a kind. 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. Working with CK was a\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) August 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n A native of Wisconsin, Klein earned a bachelor\u2019s degree from Boston University before working for PR firms in New York and Chicago.<\/p>\n Prior to joining the Jazz, she spent a decade working in the tourism and hospitality industry in California.<\/p>\n Klein is survived by her husband, Mike Gartlan. The couple celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August.<\/p>\n Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on<\/em>\u00a0<\/a>97.5 The KSL Sports Zone<\/a><\/em>. Find Ben on Twitter at<\/em>\u00a0<\/a>@BensHoops,<\/a><\/em>\u00a0on Instagram<\/em>\u00a0<\/a>@BensHoops,<\/a>\u00a0or on\u00a0BlueSky<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nCaroline Klein Oversaw Significant Changes For Jazz, Mammoth Fans<\/h2>\n
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