Rachael Carpani, the Australian actress known for McLeod’s Daughters and NCIS: Los Angeles, has died at the age of 45. Her family confirmed she passed away “unexpectedly” after a long battle with a chronic illness. Born in Sydney, Carpani built a successful career in Australian and U.S. television and film.

In a statement shared by her sister Georgia, the family 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.” They added that “the funeral will be a private event” and requested privacy.

Carpani was best known for playing Jodi Fountain on McLeod’s Daughters, which ran from 2001 to 2009. She also appeared in NCIS: Los Angeles, Against the Wall, If There Be Thorns, The Glades, and the 2009 film Triangle alongside Liam Hemsworth.

Details of her illness were not publicly disclosed. In 2021, she shared a health scare with fans, writing, “I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU,” later urging others to “listen to what your body is trying to tell you.”

Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues. One fan wrote, “I grew up watching & wanting to be her.” Co-star Bridie Carter shared, “Rest In Peace our beautiful girl… We love you, we cherish you.”