Australian actress Rachael Carpani — best known for appearing in NCIS: Los Angeles and Australian drama McLeod’s Daughters — has died at the age of 45.

Carpani had been battling a chronic illness, her sister Georgia said in an Instagram post on Monday.

“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 family statement read.

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

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