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Rachael Carpani, best known for her roles on McLeod’s Daughters and NCIS: Los Angeles, has died at the age of 45. Her family confirmed that the Australian actress passed away peacefully after a long battle with a chronic illness.

Born in Sydney, Carpani built a successful career across Australian and U.S. television. She appeared in a 2009 episode of NCIS: Los Angeles and starred in projects such as The Glades, Against the Wall, and If There Be Thorns. However, she was most beloved for her role as Jodi Fountain on McLeod’s Daughters, a series that ran from 2001 to 2009 and earned a devoted international following.

In a family statement, her parents said: “It is with great sadness that Tony and Gael Carpani announce that their beautiful daughter, beloved Australian actress Rachael Carpani, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away after a long battle with chronic illness, in the early hours of Sunday, 7th December.”

The family confirmed her funeral would be a private service attended only by close family and friends and requested privacy, stating that no further comments would be made. The specific illness was not disclosed, though Carpani previously revealed she had been hospitalized in 2021 after severe abdominal pain and urged others to “listen to what your body is trying to tell you.”

Tributes quickly poured in from fans and colleagues. One fan wrote, “I grew up watching her and wanting to be her.” Co-star Bridie Carter remembered her as “the baby of our McLeod’s Daughters family,” saying her loss felt deeply wrong and that she would be profoundly missed.

Rachael Carpani is remembered for her talent, warmth, and the lasting impact she left on audiences around the world.