NCIS: Los Angeles actress Rachael Carpani dies 'unexpectedly' aged 45

Actress Rachael Carpani has died 'unexpectedly' at the age of 45, her heartbroken family has announced.

The Australian was known for TV shows including NCIS: Los Angeles, Home and Away, and McLeod's Daughters where she played Jodi Fountain McLeod for 179 episodes.

She also featured in movies including Triangle opposite Liam Hemsworth and The Way Back with Colin Farrell.

In a statement shared to Instagram by her sister Georgia on Saturday (December 14), Carpani's family said she died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' after a 'long battle with chronic illness'.

The actress died in the early hours of December 7, her parents, Tony and Gael added.

A private funeral for friends and family has been planned for December 19.

The statement concluded: "The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements."

No further details on the chronic illness Carpani was dealing with have been disclosed.

Her McLeod Daughter's co-star Bridie Carter paid tribute to Carpani, writing: "We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you.

"We know Rach will not only be missed immeasurably by her family, by us, but she is loved and will be missed by you all, around the world."

She added: "May your blessed spirit, so vivid, so full of life, laughter, joy, generosity, unique talent, energy, fervour, intelligence, resilience, courage and great humour, and a gentle humility, may you rest in peace."

Born in Sydney, Carpani had her breakthrough role in the Aussie TV drama McLeod's Daughters as farmhand Jodi from 2001 to 2009.

She earned two Logie Award nominations for her performance.

Early in her career, she appeared in All Saints and Home and Away, and had roles in films such as Hating Alison Ashley.

After leaving McLeod’s Daughters to pursue work in the United States, she guest-starred on shows including NCIS: Los Angeles and had a recurring role on The Glades.

She also starred in the Lifetime series Against the Wall.

In August 2024, Carpani re-joined the cast of Home and Away in a recurring role as Claudia Salini.

She described it as 'something of a full-circle moment,' in her career, as per Now To Love, returning to an iconic Australian drama after spending years working in the States.

She admitted the workload 'knocked me flat on my butt,' but loved the show and praised the cast and crew for being welcoming and supportive.