IMH Editor’s Note: Michael B. Klein, 37, an ultra-successful businessman, and his daughter Talia Klein, 13, were killed in the crash of their private plane over a remote spot in Panama earlier this week. Michael Klein, who headed a hedge fund and was an early beneficiary of the first-wave Internet boom, has been written about by dozens of media outlets. Talia, however, has rarely gotten more than a footnote in these stories. In My Heart will focus on Talia in this story, including words from people who knew and loved her. Read a tribute to Talia Klein here (with a great photo by her uncle) by a family friend.
Talia Klein, 13, an award winner for her horsemanship for several years, and the daughter of millionaire businessman Michael B. Klein, died Dec. 24, 2007, in a private plane crash over a volcano near a Caribbean island resort her father owned.
Talia Klein was described by people who knew her as a sweet and hard-working girl whose dedication to horsemanship was remarkable.
“Talia was a beautiful, well spoken, poised and lovely child,” said Vanessa Brown, co-owner of Derby Hill horse farm in California. “We so enjoyed leasing her our horse, Brownie Points (aka “Teddy”), as her love for the horses was so clearly evident. She was a friend to so many kids on the circuit, including the like aged children in our own barn. A true competitor, she was also a gracious one with a kind word for all.”
Elizabeth Anthony of the Santa Barbara County Riders Club said Talia was well regarded and liked by the girls in the Santa Barbara horse community.
“All the girls knew her and saw her at the two large Santa Barbara National Shows. In fact, my niece was at the birthday party held in her honor at the ‘Turkey Show.’ The SBCRC family of riders will miss her greatly,” Antony told In My Heart.
Talia Klein had been placing highly and winning horsemanship prizes at least for the last four years. A full list of her accomplishments would be lengthy, but her award-winning performances include:
- 11 finishes between first and fifth place (on Brownie Points) at the Santa Barbara Amateur Hunter event in November 2006.
- First place in 2007 Equitation category for her age group with the Northern California Hunter Jumpers Association.
- First place in her age group in Equitation at the 2007 Tucson Winter Classic.
- Second place, short stirrup hunters in the 2005 Pebble Beach Equestrian Classic.
When news of her death was confirmed after the plane was found in rugged mountainous terrain, the leading horsemanship website’s forum quickly filled with comments from those who knew Talia:
- “That is just so heartbreaking!”
- “How tragic. My condolences to the family.”
- “I am so sorry to hear this.”
- “What a shock. I was reading through Yahoo News and came across the article…the name sounded SO familiar. Then it hit me, we were working an a deal for her to lease Jade last year. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the family, and you can tell from the picture in the Yahoo article what a loving father and happy kid they must have been. So, so sad.”
- “This is a true tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family, particularly Talia’s mom, who is one of the most genuine, caring, warm individuals I have met. So very sad. Such a tragic loss of someone so young.”
- “I rode against Talia a few years back in some green rider classes. She summarily kicked my aged butt.”
- “Talia was a wonderful girl who always had a smile and a kind word for her fellow competitors. We so enjoyed cheering her on, and appreciated her support of our riders. RIP Talia. You will be sorely missed ringside.”
- “Gallop On, Dear Talia.”
In My Heart invites horseback riders, Talia’s friends and anyone who wants to comment on her brief and interrupted life. Please post a comment below or send it to us here at In My Heart, and we will post it for you.
THE EULOGIZER 
My daughter, Annie Bennett, competed against Talia for two years. The two became ringside friends and cheered each other on through wins and losses. Annie’s first words at every horse show were, “I hope Talia is here!”
Talia was one of the sweetest girls I’ve ever met. She always had a smile on her face, even when she was walking from the ring on her own two feet after a fall. The grin widened to an ear-to-ear version when she had a great trip or got a ribbon. Her absolute favorite was the victory ride after a classic win. The joy she experienced was as evident as her love for her horses.
I will always remember the last day we saw Talia at Woodside in September. We spent a great morning with Talia and Kim and their dog ringside before the girls’ classes began. She asked about Teddy as she always did, and made us promise to give him extra treats from her.
We will miss her smile, her concern for other horses and riders, and her joy. We will never forget her. Kim, my heart goes out to you. There are no words I can say to help you with your loss. Just know that every mother out there who knew Talia knew how loved she was and what an amazing mother you were to have molded such a wonderful young lady.
I can not express how sincerely touched I am by all of you who have sent your thoughts, prayers and amazing words to me about my precious daughter, Talia. She loved riding, and loved competing, and truly enjoyed the friendships she forged with all of the girls she rode with. Talia truly wished all of her fellow riders the best of luck even when they were all in the same class. Talia loved her horses, loved her friends, and loved to show. She will miss you all as much as you miss her. I thank you all for your love and support and friendship and best wishes throughout the many show seasons ahead.
Talia is my niece and she was the most wonderful and amazing young lady. I am still unable to grasp this.
Dear Kim:
Thank you for taking the time to write to us during your time of grief. Your daughter seems to have been a remarkable girl. May you be comforted among all the mourners of Jerusalem and Zion.
Alan Abbey
Editor, In My Heart
Kim is a dear friend to me, and I have been very sad this week thinking about her and Talia. Every time I am heavy with sadness, I try to picture a happy time I shared with her and Talia.
My thoughts first drift to the day I met them both at a cookie decorating party that Kim hosted when Tally about 4. And the chronology continues as I watch Talia grow in my mind. As Talia grows, my friendship with Kim also grows.
I can picture Talia’s love of horses even before she had her first horse. I remember how excited she was when I first showed her a picture of my horse when I bought him eight years ago. He is a real horse– not a stuffed animal on her bed– and that was so exciting for her when she was 5.
I enjoyed watching her grow both in mind and spirit into a lovely, bright, well spoken, kind, and poised young lady, and it saddens me that her time was cut short.
Throughout the years, what has come through is Kim’s steadfast devotion and love for Talia. She was the light of her life, and now it’s important she we send Kim thoughts of love and support as we remember Talia.
I’m making an album for Kim, and I would like to include everyone’s favorite pictures of Talia with her friends and family and horses and dogs and so on…and also your thoughts of Talia. This will be a special compilation of pictures that Kim doesn’t already have. Please send them to me at bg1288@hotmail.com
Thank you!
With love,
Bethany
I cannot put into words all the amazing wonderful things about My beloved grandaughter Talia . She was a gift and a blessing in our lives. She filled my heart and soul with love and joy. It is too painful to say anymore at this time.
Thank you for all of your kindness and support.
Millie Klinger-Campbell
I just wanted to offer my sincere condolences to everyone who was close to them on the loss of Talia and Michael. I knew Talia from horse shows, but was not close to her.
I do however, know that she was a wonderful person, with an immense amount of talent for horseback riding. Even though she had that amazing talent, her modesty was never compromised. She always had a great attitude, and truly seemed to appreciate everything that life had to give her.
A memory of Talia I remember so clearly is that of her receiving ‘La La’ at the Turkey show. She was crying so hard that she could barely speak, and I swear I have never seen a larger smile cross anyone’s face.
Everyone in the horse world who knew Talia respected her and she was thought of as a kind, caring and wonderful individual.
Talia will be dearly missed by many.
Erika Turk
This is such a healing website and I’m so happy to have found it. Kim knows how my family feels about her frantic days in Panama and her devasting loss. We will miss Talia forever. I’m passing on some info that Kim sent me for those of you wishing to send condolences:
In lieu of flowers, Kim has set up the Talia S. Klein Memorial Fund with Wells Fargo. The account number is #7834 350527 and the routing number is 121000248. These funds will be used to fund the institutions and areas of Talia’s dreams.
I really wish that I had known Talia. She seemed to be an amazing life and beautiful soul. To be so young and touch so many in such a profound way…….
Knowing her family however, I do know the love she must have had all of her life. To Kim, JJ, Millie and Ted; I am so sorry for your crushing loss. There are no words to ease the pain, no advice to give.
Just know that in this time my thoughts and prayers are with each of you every single day.
All of my love,
Michael McCoy
The first people my daughter and I met when we moved to Montecito were Kim and Talia. Kim and I were both dragging our girls to tennis camp. Since I had been in town for all of a week, Kim took it upon herself to show me everything I would need to get settled, while Talia took good care of Katie who also loved horses. As the days progressed into months, I realized that I couldn’t imagine life in Montecito without Kim and Talia. I was grateful for their friendship. Kim is such a life force- ask her anything and she usually knows the answer. Talia was becoming a style maven and mature beyond her years. I loved to talk with her about religion and any myriad of subjects because she was so thoughtful. I can’t imagine the horror of your loss Kim. There are no words to make this better. Someone said that Talia was a blessing to you which is true. Maybe blessings even for a short visit are better than none but I can’t accept this yet if ever. I feel lucky to count you as my friend. I feel blessed that I got to know Talia. You both touch us all.
The Amazing Talia:
Was there anything she couldn’t do?? She wasn’t just an accomplished rider. She was also an exceptional “clothes horse” with an innate ability to pull any outfit together. She possessed style and class–she reminded me of a young Audrey Hepburn, that’s how chic she could be and I’m just talking about her casual outfits!!!
She loved books-all kinds, some seemed beyond her years if you didn’t know her, but if you were so blessed to meet Talia, you knew nothing was beyond her years. Let me tell you, though, that it pleased me immensely when I caught her devouring a “gossip girl” book (oh she would not like me divulging that!) and she would giggle.
She loved hanging out with her Mom, would tell me about how they went shopping or for manicures, pedicures, massages–I’d say”C’mon, Talia, get your Mom to adopt me so we can be sisters” (I’m only 40 yrs. older than Miss Talia and older than her Mom)….just so I could hear her giggling at such a fantastic suggestion.
I’m great friends with her grandma Millie….Talia, her Mom Kim & Millie all share the same beauty, the most beautiful eyes and cheekbones and lively intellect but I must admit my most favorite moments with the 3 of them occurred when each of them had a different opinion about something-all 3 talking at once, all 3 running from room to room, cell phones, text messages flying-it is a special honor to be part of that…
UGH! I hate this world without Talia Stella…the pain is unbearable.
I hold you close in my heart , Kim & Millie & JJ and have prayers going from all over for you.
TC
Dear Kim,
From the moment I heard the tragic news. I felt a shift in the world and knew things would never be the same. I wish and pray for your life to be filled with strength and grace and I hope that the love that is pouring out to you from all of us gives you some comfort, some rest. We love you, we are here for you.
Thank you for sharing with us on this site.
Kim,
I, as so many others, were truly touched, by knowing Talia. I hope, in some way, the following will give you a small measure of comfort.
With love,
Miss Kitty
We try to map out our lives as best we can; we seek love on well-defined paths, which lead to even clearer destinations. But between the red-letter days that are preprinted on calendars, and the age-defined celebrations, come all the in-between moments that actually define love.
If Cupid’s arrow made a hole in our heart with someone’s name upon it: someone of great substance, worthy of our devotion, with whom we were able to share life, then inevitably there will come a time when we are faced with the worst – a truly unimaginable moment. A midnight black cavern of immense pain and untenable aching will appear, and we have no choice but to walk through. The wretched moment when we say a last goodbye to our beloved.
Like the fragile rays from a weak winter sun we stumble across the dry desert, swept along by pain, longing for what is not, and desperate for the relief that only time can bring. Time does not care, and as minutes feel like hours, and hours feel like days, know that hidden in the magnificent package that is true love, there is a security blanket, which may be used in just such an emergency.
You will not know it’s presence until, in the inky darkness, you stumble across its gentle and calming gift: that although we may loose our loves, the love that was shared is still very much alive, and nothing and no one can ever take that away. Love cannot get sick, love cannot be stolen, love never dies – and as long as one is here to remember, love will always be there.
Love is more than scents, memories and photos. It is the teachings, the healinging, and the gift of the self that has transformed us, more than we will ever know. Love does not leave just because one of the participants does. The very experience of having a love of such high caliber is why the pain is so immense.
But would anyone trade the immeasurable joys of pure love, along with it’s inevitable soul -crushing pain, for a life where love is no more enchanting and captivating then tepid lemonade?
Both alone in the quiet of the days and nights to come, and when the arms of those who care for us are wrapped tightly around us, sharing a measure of our pain, we will find that love is walking with us, and will continue to do so, forever.
For love, with it’s wisps and tendrils, which seek out all the many moments of our existence, is a soul unto itself.
Dear Kim:
I can’t tell you what a shock it was to hear the sad news. Even as I write this note, I still can’t believe it. Although I did not know Talia very well, I do have a couple of moments to share.
Talia’s affinity for horses came as no surprise to me. Back when Talia was probably around six years old, I remember that she was very interested in my daughter Melissa’s experience with riding and working with horses. Obviously Talia’s passion continued during the ensuing years.
Melissa had a different perspective of Talia. After the first and only time that she met Talia, Melissa came away thinking how beautiful Talia was, and that she looked like a model.
It goes without saying that Talia was a gifted young lady and a real tribute to her mom. I know that she will be missed by all who knew her.
My family and I sincerely share in your grief and loss.
With love, Cheryl French
Kim,
I saw Talia’s light in your eyes today and I know, without a doubt, that her work is not done.
Love you,
Donna
Kim, Millie, J, family- When Allison told me the news that the plane was missing, I started praying for you all. I am soooo sorry for your loss. It is unspeakable. I looked through my scrapbooks and saw Talia and will always remember the sweetness and beauty inside and out of your wonderful girl. She has touched people from shore to shore in her brief 13 years. Most people dont do that in a lifetime.I will continually pray for you to be strengthened and comforted. I will carry you in my heart always. Lori
I had just started riding with Talia. And my first show with her was the ’07 “Turkey Show”. Talia and everyone was so nice and welcoming to me. We both did really well. I had heard from my mom that Talia and some people from our barn had been showing in Arizona and in Northern California. When I heard how fun it was, I just couldn’t wait to go to those shows and show with Talia, because I knew I was going to have a great time with her and everyone else! I had known her for so little time but when I found out what had happened, I cried so much. I was sad that we were never going to have the fun together that I hoped we could have had! We miss you Talia! You’ll always be a part of me.
Love,
Leina
Dear Kim,
I could not believe my eyes when I opened up this E mail this morning. My most heartfelt condolences go out to you Millie and your family. I will always remember with the fondest of memories when I had the honor to spend that time with the three of you. Talia was one of the nicest, politest, young ladies I have ever met. Our thoughts prayers and love go out to you in this most difficult time.
Jason
Dear Kim,
I can’t even begin to understand how you must feel. I know when I received the news about Talia, I cried uncontrollably and then I realized your pain must be so much greater. A mother should never have to go through the pain of losing a child. My heart goes out to you, J, Millie, and Ted. I have prayed for you so much and will continue to do so. I remember years ago I gave you a plaque with the verse from Jeremiah 29:11, ” For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Kim, it may seem like your world has crumbled around you, but be strong and know the Lord sees your pain and hears you cry when no one else does. “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord.” I don’t know why this tragic accident happened, but I do know it was for a reason.
Talia touched so many lives from the coast to coast. She definately touched mine! I know she was the one who gave me the nickname “Aunt Allie” and then when all my other neices and nephews came along, that’s what they called me too. I promise that G and Jackson will always remember her. Jackson has been telling everyone about Talia’s death (I think it’s therapy for him) but he always ends the story with, “Talia’s in heaven.” How true this is!
With much love,
Aunt Allie
Thank you so much for this healing website.
Talia possessed an amazing inner poise. It was a kind of effortless self-assurance that most of us strive for but rarely achieve. She was worldly beyond her years and comfortable in almost every situation. She could dine in the fanciest restaurant with ease and grace but she was equally as capable of sleeping on the floor of a thatched roof hut in the Panamanian Jungle. There were many extraordinary sides to T. and everyone of them will be missed.
I find comfort in the fact that Talia had experienced so many amazing things in her short lifetime. She had traveled all over the world, read a full library of books, eaten sophisticated meals, won countless awards at horse shows, swam with a whale shark (!), had a true best friend, cared for her horses and dogs with tenderness and joy, had an especially close and admirable relationship with her adoring parents, and was loved beyond measure by all who knew her.
Love beyond Love
Aunt Linda
Kim, Millie, Justin…
My heart breaks, and no matter what I say here can never be good enough. How brave Kim is – how proud I am of her and Millie and Justin. Talia was blessed with an absolutely incredible mother, grandmother and uncle. She was an exquisite young lady. Know you are all well loved and the world (literally) is reaching out to you.
So much love to you my beautiful neice, sister and nephew. Sherry
Kim was in my graduating class from Highland Hall. I have not seen her for many years. I, along with a few of her classmates, Lori Constantine, Mindy and Karlotta White grieve with her over the loss of her daughter Talia and ex-husband Mike. I can only imagine what you are going through Kim. We know how much you loved that little girl. You are in our hearts and our minds as you go through this very difficult time. You are in our prayers.
We are with you, Lisa
My deepest condolences to you, Millie.
I remember like it was just yesterday the Saturday morning, a little over 5 years ago, I went to the Encino Car Wash (as I do most every Saturday) and there you were, so beautiful and distinguished, visiting with Jeff. Immediately I knew who you were. Bill, our mutual friend, had spoken so highly of you. You were particularly radiant on that day. I remember introducing myself, and soon Bill arrived and the reason you were beaming became clear.
You had bought a home in Santa Barbara and had put your current home in Sherman Oaks up for sale. You were on your way to the real estate office where you would accept one of the many offers made on your home. You had recently decided to move to Santa Barbara to be near your daughter and granddaughter.
The outcome of that day was that I bought your home and you and I stayed in touch, although not as often as I would have liked. I remember once before you moved from Sherman Oaks, you and I were driving and Talia called you to share a horse adventure and you passed the phone over to me so I could hear the little voice on the other end going on about the day’s events. When you hung up, you were so proud and reiterated how Talia was so delightful and you didn’t want to miss out on anything when it came to her. You knew if you did not move, you would be missing many opportunities to watch Talia ride her horse, to see her after school, growing up and developing, and you wanted to have her spend the night at your home, as well as watch (she would never like you to call it baby-sit) her at her house.
I remember the email you sent me after you put your new home together in Santa Barbara, attaching the pictures that Talia had taken of the various rooms. I could see Talia’s head in the reflection of the mirrors with the camera she was holding up to her face. So cute. Talia knew the love you took in completing the decorating of your new home and Talia was proud of your finished beautiful new home.
I’m sure Talia knew how much you loved her. I know you love both your children, Kim and Justin. But I also know, the love you felt for this grandchild was as intense as if Talia was your own child, not just a grandchild.
Millie and Kim, I have been so sick for your loss. It is so unfair. So hard not to want to think 24/7 about the pain of this loss. The time of year it happened only exacerbates the hurt. Talia had so much of life yet to live. I know Millie, you are fighting/struggling to be alive and find a way to go on. I know Millie, you are strong, but I know this is a HUGE load of pain. I don’t expect it to be easy for you. I want you to know I am sharing your pain. I have a constant reminder of your love for Talia. This beautiful home I now live in would not be a reality for me, had it not been for the love you had for your granddaughter, Talia.
Millie, I am so happy you had those 5 plus years of living right next door to her. You were so smart to act on those heart tugs years ago. Millie you now have 5 years worth of memories you wouldn’t have, had you not MOVED TO SANTA BARBARA. I realize that those 5 years of memories are so beautiful that they make your loss even more painful. Cherish those 5 years of intense memories with her. Cherish them. Congratulate yourself for making them possible by your decision to move yourself. It is so very hard. Put all the adventures/memories of Talia down on paper. Memorialize them. Focus on the adventures, the love she was and the love she gave you. Stay focused on her smile, her message, her delights. By doing this Talia doesn’t die.
I was fortunate I did get to meet Talia and Kim for lunch on a visit to see your new home. It was a short and sweet visit, but I do have that lovely memory.
Talia made many deposits into your memory bank. Cherish them. Even my life changed because of your love for your grandchild.
Millie, my friend, may you find the strength to get through this. I know it is not easy when her holiday gifts are still unwrapped. It’s painful beyond all imagination to know her presence will not shine on you ever again. The memories are all you have now. Focus on them. Let Talia’s memories and love speak to you from within. She’s got a message for you. Listen for her message in your heart. Listen to her words for you from your heart.
Your friend always, Angela
Kim,
Our love and blessings are with you and your family. I want to hold you in my arms, cry and laugh together. We love you. we think of you and talia daily.
We are with you,
Marla
Millie
My thoughts and prayers are with you.. Knowing how precious our families are to us I can only imagine what you and your family are going through. My heart aches for you.
Love to you and your family.
Annie
Kim, Millie, JJ and Ted,
My heart goes out to you at this terrible time. I can think of nothing worse to have to go through. Although we are family, I regret I never had the opportunity of meeting Talia. I was always hearing such spectacular things about her, though. I know she was special. I am so proud she was part of our family. All my love to you. Your cousin, Bonnie
Millie,
Ben and I met you at the concert in the park this past year when you were with TC and Annie. We feel incredible sorrow for you and your family for your loss of beautiful Talia. Your in our prayers.
Love
Ben and Christine
Kim,
We are sending our deepest condolences to you and your family, our preyers and simpathys are with you at this difficult time.
Talia, siempre estarás en nuestro corazón y que Dios este con tigo ahora y por siempre.
Graciela and Fenando Flores.
To Talia’s loved ones,
Talia came to me for Pilates in the hope of improving her riding skills. She was only eleven years old but she was so determined to do everything she could do to be the best,- regardless of her busy schedule. I watched her legs grow an inch in between sessions, and she was my Pilates filly. As she moved through her exercises inwardly focused I would see her smile and it was as though she had an incredible special secret, -there was so much going on inside her head! She had plans, she knew what she wanted to do in her life,.. occupations I had no idea’s about. We talked about her horses, her weekends with her Dad, and it made me feel so good to know that she had so much love and happiness in her life. I always looked forward to her sessions. I don’t know Kim personally but I knew her love for Talia, it was palpable, and I think of Kim often. My heart-felt condolences to all of the friends and family of Talia Stella.
love,
michele morrow
Hi,
I did not know Talia, or anyone in the family. My friend knew Talia from horses. From what I have read, I am sure she was a great girl. My deepest consolodences to Talia’s loved ones. It is hard to lose a child, and I pray that the healing process isn’t to painful. May God be with you during this hard time.
Sincerely, Natalie
Kim,
I am so sorry about this tragity.. My friends and I cry almost every night because we miss her so much. She was such an amazing friend and such an fun person to compete with at the horse shows. The other night about five of ussat on the trampoline at Quincy’s house and talked about what a great person talia was. We also talked to her, and told stories about the so many great times we had with talia. My family wishes you all the strength in the world and deepest condolences.
I will see you at the memorial,
Love,
Gigi Hadid
i dont know u but i feel bad for u. oh and have a good day. peace out 😀 lol by alex kier
I ventured here from a news story
I am so in tears with your loss and love
You are all a wonderful and beautiful family…
your words touch me deeply
May God bless each of you.
I finished watching this story just a few minutes ago on 20/20 and my eyes filled with tears. I send my condolences to her family, and I send my prayers. I’ve never met Talia or her family, but to see someone so close to my age, lose their life just breaks my heart. I hope that she is riding her horse up in Heaven, they are all in a better place.
RIP Talia Klein
Michael B. Klein
Edwin Lasso
Hope you all soon feel peace in your hearts
Much Love, Ayda
🙂
ive been riding with talia for a very long time and she was a great friend, not only to me, but to everyone… i know for a fact that everyone who has ever met her will miss her greatly. i only heard of this tragic event a little while ago and was devistated when i heard. she was an amazing girl and an amazing rider. she always had a smile on her face no matter what and i know she loved her family and horses.
we will miss you talia…
R.I.P. Talia Klein
Michael Klein
Edwin Lasso
Clide, is again with his owner.
Color by Number’s nephew was intelligent,
but not smart enough to understand small planes are an unecessary risk.
For someone who was by all accounts brilliant & had apparently everything, why would he risk he & his daughter’s life for a small plane ride near a volcano ? This was Steve Fossett syndrome… aka:
Natural Selection, at work.
Thalia,
Te estranamos mucho, que Dios te tenga abrasada y que te cante todo el tiempo.