Rachael Carpani dies 'unexpectedly' at age 45

Rachael Carpani has passed away at the age of 45.

The actress, who starred in beloved Aussie TV shows such as McLeod's Daughters and Home and Away, died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' a few weeks ago.

Her parents revealed that she had passed away in a post on social media.

They 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.'

Rachael died in the early hours of December 7.

The family went on to reveal the funeral plans, adding that it will be a 'private event'. 

'The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements,' they finished off the statement. 

Rachael is best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the hit early noughties series McLeod's Daughters.

The actress, who starred on the Aussie program between 2001 and 2009, earned two Logie nominations for her leading role on the screen.

In 2007, she was nominated for the Silver Logie for most popular actress and the biggest award of the night, the Gold Logie. 

She appeared in an array of films, including titles such as The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, Hating Alison Ashley and The Way Back.

Her latest project was last year, playing a recurring role in Aussie soap opera Home and Away as the villainous Claudia Salini. 

Rachael had her fans concerned in 2021 after acute abdominal pain saw her rushed to hospital.

'I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU,' she wrote. 

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'Was then moved to the surgical ward.

'Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain (I tend to work through pain!) and allowing myself to get quite ill.'

Rachael added: 'Yet again, another lesson, especially to women who tend to ignore their own care because "there's no time" or more important things or people to look after, to stop and listen to what your body is trying to tell you.'

Rachael also revealed she'd spent Valentine's Day in hospital and shared a photo of herself sitting in her hospital bed and holding a bouquet of flowers.