With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of this beloved actress!! – Story Of The Day!

Her co-stars, who became a second family during the long years of filming on location, have expressed a depth of grief that speaks to Carpani’s character off-camera. Bridie Carter, who played Tess Silverman McLeod, shared a hauntingly beautiful tribute on Instagram, reflecting the collective heartbreak of the cast. “In love and respect, for our beautiful Rach,” Carter wrote. “Rest In Peace our beautiful girl… the ‘baby’ of our family. This is the wrong order of things. We are better people for having the privilege of sharing time with you.” The sentiment that this was the “wrong order of things” resonates deeply, as Carpani was taken at an age where many feel their most vibrant chapters are still being written.

While her roots remained firmly planted in Australian soil, Carpani’s talent possessed a range that eventually drew the attention of Hollywood. She successfully transitioned to the American market, showcasing her dexterity in a variety of genres. In 2009, she appeared in the high-stakes world of NCIS: Los Angeles, and she took on the demanding lead role of police officer Abby Kowalski in the lifetime series Against the Wall. Her film credits were equally diverse, including the psychological thriller Triangle, where she starred alongside a young Liam Hemsworth, and the television films If There Be Thorns and The Glades. Regardless of the size of the role, Carpani brought an authentic, grounded energy to her characters that made them instantly relatable to domestic and international audiences alike.

The details regarding the chronic illness that led to her passing remain private, as the Carpani family has requested space to grieve. However, reflections on her recent years suggest a woman who was quietly navigating significant health hurdles with the same resilience she displayed on screen. In 2021, Carpani shared a rare glimpse into her personal struggles when she was rushed to the emergency room with acute abdominal pain, an ordeal that landed her in the Intensive Care Unit. At the time, she used her platform to urge her followers to “listen to what your body is trying to tell you,” a poignant piece of advice that now carries a heavy weight in the wake of her death.

The announcement of her passing has triggered a massive outpouring of tributes on social media. Fans who “grew up wanting to be her” have filled her sister Georgia’s Instagram with messages of love and disbelief. These digital memorials highlight the unique relationship between a television actor and their audience; for many, losing Rachael Carpani feels like losing a childhood friend. Her work on McLeod’s Daughters in particular created a sense of intimacy with viewers, as the show’s themes of sisterhood, grit, and the enduring power of family became a sanctuary for people around the world.