N.C.I.S: Los Angeles Actress Rachael Carpani Dies ‘Unexpectedly’ at 45, Her Family Announce ‘with Great Sadness’

Australian actress Rachael Carpani has died at the age of 45.

On Monday, Dec. 15, her sister Georgia shared a statement from their parents on Instagram, announcing that she had passed away following a 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, in the early hours of Sunday 7th December,” the statement read.

The post added, “The funeral will be a private event, to be held on Friday 19th December with close family and friends.”

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

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

While Rachael was best known for playing Jodi Fountain in the Australian series McLeod’s Daughters from 2001 and 2009, she also appeared in several U.S. shows and films, according to imdb.

She featured in N.C.I.S: Los Angeles, The Rachels, If There Be Thorns, The Glades and played the lead role in Lifetime’s Against the Wall.

Back in August, Rachael’s sister penned a sweet tribute to her on her birthday.

“Whether she’s done up and going out or staying in and working, she’s the most beau