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The daughter of a star from The Sopranos has tragically died, just three months after giving birth to a baby girl.
Odele Ventimiglia, the daughter of actor John Ventimiglia, passed away on 12 January with a cause of death not yet confirmed publicly.
The sad news was confirmed by family members, with a Facebook post from mother Belinda Cape saying: “Heartbroken to have to post our darling Odele's funeral notice.
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“Her sister Lucinda and I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and love we have received, and your remembrances of how cherished Odele was to so many.”
Cape added: “Odele was greatly loved, and leaves a huge hole in our lives.”
Ventimiglia – whose father is best known for his role as Artie Bucco in The Sopranos – had given birth to daughter Shiloh at Mount Sinai Maternity Ward, New York, in November.
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Her sister Lucinda also paid tribute to the new mother on Instagram, saying words ‘will never be enough’ to express the grief the family were feeling.
“I loved my little sister a lot and I will spend the rest of my life searching for her in everything,” she said.
“My family and I are so grateful for all the care and support we have been receiving during this impossible time. It has never been more clear how much she meant to so many people.”
In the wake of her death, a GoFundMe has been set up for Shiloh’s ‘future education’.
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Within just four days of going live, the fundraiser has racked up $56,780 for Shiloh, having already surpassed its $50,000 target.
“With the loss of our darling Odele, we are fundraising to help Shiloh with future education costs,” Cape wrote.
Many of those who donated money also paid tribute to the young mum, while also offering up their condolences to the family.
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One person said: “We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved Odele. May the words from the service today and the love and support of your family and friends continue to bring you comfort.”
Someone else wrote: “Sending prayers for baby Shiloh as a new mom myself. My heartfelt condolences go out to her friends and family.”
A third donor commented: “My deepest condolences to Odele's family. Sending love and prayers during this difficult time.”
A fourth added: “My deepest condolences to the Ventimiglia and Cape families...still shocked and deeply saddened, thinking of you all."
Jess Hardiman