Law & Crime

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

December 16, 2025

Australian actress Rachael Carpani, known for McLeod's Daughters and NCIS: Los Angeles, died at age 45 after a private chronic illness.
Her sister Georgia announced the family confirmed she passed "unexpectedly but peacefully" in the early hours of Sunday, December 7.
The family requested privacy and announced a private funeral for close friends and family will be held on December 19.
Carpani rose to fame as Jodi Fountain on McLeod's Daughters and later appeared in The Glades, Against the Wall, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

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.

Rachael Carpani, known for her roles in *McLeod's Daughters* and *NCIS: Los Angeles*, has died at the age of 45 following a battle with chronic illness.

"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.

The family announced a private funeral will be held on December 19 for close friends and family.

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.

Just weeks before her death, Carpani posted a loving birthday tribute to her mother, calling her the "heart and soul" of the family.

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."

For more stories regarding celebrity tributes, check out our video here: