The actor’s parents have released a statement confirming the sad news.

Rachael Carpani, who starred on McLeod's Daughters as Jodi Fountain, has sadly died. Picture: Channel 9/Instagram/Rachael Carpani

Rachael Carpani, who starred on McLeod’s Daughters as Jodi Fountain, has sadly died. Picture: Channel 9/Instagram/Rachael Carpani

Rachel Carpani, the Aussie actor who starred on McLeod’s Daughters, has tragically died at the age of 45. Her sister, Georgia, released a statement from Rachel’s parents, Tony and Gael, confirming the sad news.

The statement revealed the actor passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on December 7 after a “long battle” with a chronic illness. Tony and Gael said a funeral will be held for their daughter this week.

“The funeral will be a private event… with close family and friends. The family requests privacy at this very difficult time and will be making no further statements,” they said.

Rachel played Jodi Fountain on McLeod’s Daughters, which was the youngest child of Jack McLeod.

Her on-screen sisters were played by Lisa Chappell and Bridie Carter, who also paid tribute to their friend.

“This is the most difficult post,” Bridie said on Instagram.

“In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach, in prayer and with the deepest sorrow and profound sympathy for the Carpani family.

“Rest In Peace our beautiful girl….the ‘baby” of our MD family…. We love you, we cherish you….. This is the wrong order of things. 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 also called out Rachel’s “blessed spirit”, her “unique talent” and her “gentle humility’.

In addition to starring on the iconic Channel 9 programme, Rachel also appeared in the film Hating Alison Ashley, as well as All Saints, Home and Away and many smaller roles on other TV shows.

In 2007, she was nominated for two Logie Awards, the Gold Logie and Most Popular Actress, for her role as Jodi Fountain.

Her fans were devastated over the news of her sudden passing.

“This is devastating. One of my favourite characters in McLeods daughters x rest in peace,” wrote one person.

“How incredibly sad to read this. My heart is broken. I’ve had long chats with Rach over the years about endometriosis. She called me often to check in on me and held my hand during my father’s death. She is an incredibly caring and loving human. I just can’t believe this. I’m devastated,” added another.

“I had no idea she was even sick. I loved her acting and who she was,” said a third.

Rachel was hospitalised in 2021 for surgery for “acute abdominal pain”.

At the time, she said it was a “case of me not listening to my body”, which caused her to become “quite ill”.

She spent a few days in ICU and the surgical ward before being discharged.