“I burst into tears when I saw her in the hospital.” Those words, from Rachael Carpani herself back in 2021, are haunting fans anew following the McLeod’s Daughters star’s tragic death at just 45. The Australian actress passed away “unexpectedly but peacefully” on December 7 after a “long battle with chronic illness,” her family announced – but now, devotees are digging deeper, questioning if her years of stepping back from the spotlight were tied to a private health nightmare far more complex and devastating than the chronic pain she rarely discussed.

Carpani, beloved for her breakout role as feisty teen Jodi Fountain on the iconic outback drama from 2001 to 2009, had always been fiercely private. After leaving McLeod’s Daughters to chase Hollywood dreams – landing roles in NCIS: Los Angeles, The Glades, Against the Wall, and even alongside Ben Affleck in The Way Back – her public appearances dwindled. Fans noticed the quieter profile, the longer gaps between projects, the shift to selective gigs like a villainous turn on Home and Away in 2024. Was it burnout? Choice? Or something darker brewing behind the scenes?

Insiders and Carpani’s own past revelations point to the latter. In October 2021, the actress broke her silence in a raw Instagram video, revealing a two-decade secret: a brutal fight with endometriosis and adenomyosis that began when she was just 13. “I had been in chronic pain basically since I was 13,” she shared, describing how she “white-knuckled” through agony dismissed as “painful periods” by doctors for years.

The turning point came when specialists finally believed her. “I burst into tears,” Carpani recalled of the moment validation hit after endless misdiagnoses. Treatment – including uterine artery embolisation – dramatically reduced her pain from an excruciating 8-9 to a manageable 2-3. “I feel normal,” she said post-procedure, crediting the doctors for giving her “a voice and non-judgemental space.”

But endometriosis and adenomyosis are insidious beasts. Endometriosis causes tissue similar to the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus, leading to inflammation, scarring, and infernal pain. Adenomyosis sees it invade the uterine wall. Together, they can trigger infertility, organ adhesion, bowel issues, chronic fatigue, and life-threatening complications like severe bleeding or infections. Sufferers often face mental health tolls too – depression, anxiety from constant dismissal.

On McLeod’s Daughters, the physical demands were torture. “Getting on and off a horse and riding while you’ve got full-blown endometriosis is terrible,” Carpani told Stellar magazine in 2024. “[It’s] unbelievably and indescribably painful.” She hid it all: sneaking ice packs into her pants, concealing surgical scars from wardrobe, never complaining to the mostly male crew. “In 2001, you didn’t announce… ‘I’m sorry, I’ve got endometriosis. I feel like I’m being stabbed in the stomach. I’ll need five minutes,’” she explained.

A terrifying 2021 flare-up landed her in ICU with acute abdominal pain. “Basically it was a case of me not listening to my body and the pain,” she admitted, blaming her tendency to push through. She spent Valentine’s Day hospitalized that year, sharing a photo from her bed clutching flowers. Fans worried then; few realized how deep the roots went.

Carpani became a fierce advocate, slamming Australia as “woefully, woefully behind when it comes to women’s health.” She collaborated with Endometriosis Australia, praised Amy Schumer for breaking taboos, and urged women to advocate for themselves. Her openness empowered thousands – one in nine Australian women battle endometriosis, many undiagnosed for decades like she was.

Yet she kept much private. No marriage, no children – conditions that often cause infertility. Her long-term relationship with co-star Matt Passmore ended amicably in 2011 after moving to the US together. Recent years saw her prioritize quieter pursuits: advocacy for domestic violence, climate action, Indigenous rights, and global issues like Gaza.

The silence around her final illness fuels questions. Family disclosed only “chronic illness,” but insiders whisper complications from her conditions – perhaps a severe flare-up, surgery gone wrong, or cumulative toll. “The secrecy, the emotion… what was she really fighting?” one source close to the production world pondered to Daily Mail, noting her withdrawal aligned with health dips.

Co-stars’ tributes hint at the weight. Bridie Carter called her “the baby of our family,” a “vivid spirit full of life, laughter, joy, generosity… resilience, courage.” Jessica Napier revealed they’d been texting weeks before, planning drinks – “I’m heartbroken we didn’t get that last drink.” Matt Passmore: “Farewell my friend… The greatest gift you gave was knowing you.”

Fans flood social media, rewatching Drovers Run marathons, sharing how Carpani’s advocacy helped their own diagnoses. “She gave me a voice,” echoed her words back. Her last Instagram post in November? Thoughtful, engaged – no farewell.

At 45, gone too soon, Carpani leaves a legacy beyond acting: a warrior who turned private agony into public power. Her long absences? Not disinterest, but survival. The emotion in that hospital tears moment wasn’t just relief – it was vindication after years unheard.

As Australia mourns – private funeral held December 19 – her story spotlights the hidden wars women wage. Rachael fought silently so others wouldn’t have to. Rest in peace, fighter.