Australian actress Rachael Carpani passes away at 45

Rachael Carpani, an Australian actress has passed away at the age of 45.

Famously known for her roles in McLeod's Daughters and Home and Away, Carpani has passed away "unexpectedly but peacefully."

Her family issued a statement on social media, announcing her death few weeks ago.

The statement read, "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 actress passed away in the early hours of December 7 and the funeral is set to be a "private event."

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

Rachael Carpani left her fans concerned in 2021 after acute abdominal pain due to which she was rushed to hospital. She revealed at the time, "I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU."

"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.

"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," she said at the time.