NCIS Los Angeles Actress Rachael Carpani Dies Unexpectedly at 45 After Chronic Illness Battle

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Australian actress Rachael Carpani, best known to American audiences for her roles in NCIS: Los Angeles and Against the Wall, has died at the age of 45. Her family confirmed she passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully" following a private battle with a chronic illness.

"Unexpectedly But Peacefully"

The heartbreaking news was confirmed on Monday by the actress's sister, Georgia, in an emotional statement on behalf of their parents, Tony and Gael Carpani. According to the family, the star died in the early hours of Sunday, December 7.

"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," the statement read.

A Quiet Health Battle

While the specific cause of death remains private, reports indicate Carpani had faced health struggles in recent years. According to Deadline, she was hospitalized in 2021 for abdominal pain and required surgery for an undisclosed condition. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time and stated that a private funeral will be held on December 19.

Carpani rose to fame as Jodi Fountain in the hit Australian series McLeod's Daughters, starring in the show for eight seasons from 2001 to 2009. She successfully crossed over to US television, appearing in The Glades, NCIS: Los Angeles, and starring alongside Jason George in the Lifetime series Against the Wall.

Final Tribute

Just weeks before her tragic passing, Carpani shared a touching public tribute to her mother on November 16.

"Happy Birthday to the heart and soul of our crazy awesome family," she wrote on Instagram. "We would implode without you! Love you to the moon & back mama."

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