The distraught parents made the announcement on social media

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a beloved Australian actress after she “unexpectedly” died.

Rachael Carpani – known for her roles in Home and Away and hit Aussie TV show McLeod’s Daughters – passed away in early December.

The 45-year-old’s parents confirmed her shock passing in a heartbreaking social media post.

“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.

She passed away on December 7 in the early hours of the morning.

Her family has said Rachael’s funeral will be a “private event”.

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

Rachael is best known for her role as Jodi Fountain in the hit early 2000s series, McLeod’s Daughters.

She appeared on the show between 2001 and 2009 and earned two Logie nominations for her on-screen performance.

The Logies are Australia’s annual awards for television, celebrating Australian TV shows and personalities.

In 2007, Rachael was nominated for a Silver Logie for most popular actress, as well as the biggest award of the night, the Gold Logie.

She has also appeared in a number of films, including The Very Excellent Mr Dundee, Hating Alison Ashley and The Way Back.

More recently, she had a recurring role in hit Aussie soap Home and Away, playing Claudia Salini, an on-screen villain.

She was rushed to hospital in 2021 after experiencing acute abdominal pain, worrying fans.

“I was admitted to emergency with acute abdominal pain just over a week ago and spent a few days in the ICU,” she wrote.

“Was then moved to the surgical ward,” she added.

She eased public concern, reminding fans to “listen to what your body is trying to tell you”.

“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,” she said.

“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 also revealed that she had spent Valentine’s Day in hospital when she shared a picture of herself sitting in a hospital bed with a bouquet of flowers.