“I Wish I Had Just One More Day…” — Jessica Napier's Emotional Tribute Reveals Heart-Wrenching Regret Over Missed Plans with Rachael Carpani
In a deeply moving tribute that has left fans and fellow actors in tears, Jessica Napier, star of McLeod’s Daughters, has opened up about her profound grief following the sudden passing of her close friend and co-star Rachael Carpani. The 45-year-old actress, beloved for her role as Jodi Fountain on the iconic Australian series, died peacefully but unexpectedly on December 7, 2025, after a long battle with chronic illness. Napier's heartfelt Instagram post, shared just days after the family announcement, highlighted the devastating finality of losing someone so vibrant, revealing a lingering regret over plans that will now never come to fruition.
Napier, who played Becky Howard on McLeod’s Daughters—a character who formed a deep on-screen friendship with Carpani's Jodi—described herself as “shattered” by the loss. In an emotional letter posted to her social media, she wrote of the laughter, tears, and memories that would live in her heart forever. But it was her raw admission of regret that struck the deepest chord: “I'm heartbroken that we didn't get to have that last drink we'd been texting about for weeks. That will stay with me.” Napier went on to express wishes that echoed the sentiments of many mourning Carpani: “I wish my daughter could have met her. I wish we could’ve had another dinner and night out together. I wish we’d had another season of the show together. I wish this didn’t happen to such a genuinely wonderful human being.”
The tribute painted a vivid picture of Carpani as “beautiful, smart and funny,” a woman whose spirit touched everyone around her. Napier included a series of cherished photos, capturing moments of joy shared over the years, underscoring the enduring bond forged during their time on the show from 2001 to 2009. “I feel incredibly grateful that our lives overlapped at all, that we got to share a moment in time together,” Napier added, signing off with love and prayers for the Carpani family.
Carpani's passing, announced on December 15 by her sister Georgia on behalf of parents Tony and Gael, has sent shockwaves through the Australian entertainment community and beyond. The family's statement read: “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.” They requested privacy ahead of a private funeral planned for close family and friends.
The news comes as a poignant reminder of life's fragility, especially given Carpani's courageous public battle with endometriosis and adenomyosis—conditions she endured for over two decades. She had been outspoken about the debilitating pain, often sharing how it impacted her work and daily life, yet she used her platform to advocate for better women's health awareness. In 2021, she was hospitalized with severe abdominal pain, spending time in ICU, and later spoke candidly about the systemic failures in diagnosing and treating such illnesses. Her resilience inspired many, turning personal suffering into a call for change.
McLeod’s Daughters, the groundbreaking series that centered on strong women running a rural cattle station, catapulted Carpani to stardom at just 21. Her portrayal of the spirited, vulnerable Jodi earned her two Logie Award nominations, including a Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality in 2007. The show, which ran for eight seasons, became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its themes of sisterhood, resilience, and empowerment—themes that mirrored Carpani's own life.
After departing the series in 2007 (with Jodi's dramatic presumed death, later revealed as witness protection), Carpani pursued Hollywood dreams. She landed roles in U.S. shows like NCIS: Los Angeles, The Glades, and led the Lifetime series Against the Wall. She also starred in films such as Triangle alongside Liam Hemsworth and The Way Back with Ben Affleck. In 2024, she made a triumphant return to Australian screens with a recurring role as the enigmatic Claudia Salini on Home and Away, delighting fans with her comeback.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry. Bridie Carter, who played Tess Silverman McLeod—Jodi's on-screen half-sister—led with an emotional post calling Carpani the “baby” of the McLeod’s Daughters family. “Rest In Peace our beautiful girl….We love you, we cherish you. This is the wrong order of things,” Carter wrote, praising her co-star's vivid spirit, generosity, talent, and humility.
Matt Passmore, Carpani's former partner (they dated from 2006 to 2011 during their time on the show), shared a simple yet poignant message: “Farewell my friend. All the love I have to the Carpanis, friends and family. The greatest gift you gave was knowing you.”
Other co-stars, including Jonny Pasvolsky and Michala Banas, echoed the grief, remembering Carpani's infectious laughter and kindness. The cast's tight-knit bond, built over years filming in the harsh Australian outback, has been evident in their unified outpouring of sorrow.
Fans worldwide have flooded social media with memories of Jodi's journey—from rebellious teen to inheriting Drovers Run—and tributes to Carpani's off-screen advocacy. Many expressed devastation at the timing, noting how her recent Home and Away role had reignited excitement about her career. Comments ranged from heartfelt condolences to reflections on her impact: “She was a ray of sunshine,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Her strength in speaking about women's health saved lives—she inspired so many.”
Napier's words, in particular, have resonated deeply, capturing the universal ache of unspoken goodbyes and unfinished plans. Her regret over that missed drink serves as a devastating reminder: time is precious, and opportunities to connect can slip away in an instant. As she wished for “just one more day,” countless others echoed the sentiment, mourning not only the loss of a talented actress but a compassionate soul who made the world brighter.
Rachael Carpani's legacy endures in her unforgettable performances, her advocacy, and the lives she touched. As Napier so eloquently put it, the laughter and memories will live on forever. Rest in peace, Rachael—you will be profoundly missed.