Jessica Falkholt’s star was on the rise when her life was abruptly cut short in an horrific Boxing Day crash that killed her family.
The much-loved Home and Away actress, who died in hospital on Wednesday, had lead roles in a US movie and a a Channel Nine police drama in 2018.
After graduating from the prestigious NIDA college in 2015, Jessica, 28, was on her way to becoming a household name.
An actress who had it all: Home and Away star Jessica Falkholt’s career cut tragically short after a memorable soap stint, a feature film and directorial debut
Following her popular role in Home and Away in 2016, Jessica was set to light up Australian TV screens again with a role in Bite Club next year.
The hotly-anticipated Channel Nine police drama also stars Jessica’s former Home and Away co-star Pia Miller, as well as Todd Lasance, Deborah Mailman and Dominic Monaghan.
She was also due to make her US debut with the lead role in sci-fi thriller Harmony in 2018.
A promising career cut tragically short: Home and Away actress Jessica Falkholt dies after her life support is switched off
Tragic crash: The Boxing Day car crash which claimed the lives of parents Vivian and Lars as well as their two daughters Annabelle and Jessica
Memorable character: Jessica had a recurring role as Hope Morrison on Home and Away in 2016, the cousin of Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble (pictured)
Breakout role: Jessica rose to prominence on Home and Away with Pia Miller
In a message posted to Harmony’s official Facebook page after the car crash the film’s production team said they were devastated by the tragic accident.
‘We are in complete shock over this tragedy,’ the statement read.
‘Sending all our love and prayers to Jessica Falkholt and her sister Annabelle at this terrible time.’
Jessica rose to fame with a recurring role as Hope Morrison on Home and Away in 2016, the cousin of Raffy Morrison, played by Olivia Deeble.
Her 16 episode story arc as troubled Hope proved a hit with audiences in 2016.
Popular: Her 16 episode story arc as troubled Hope proved a hit with audiences in 2016
Lead role: She was also set to make her US screen debut with the lead role in sci-fi thriller Harmony which is scheduled for release in 2018
Jessica’s character lived at the farmhouse with Pia’s character policewoman Kat Chapman and had several run-ins with the law before her dramatic exit.
Hope left Summer Bay in handcuffs after stealing a car from Mason Morgan (played by Orpheus Pledger) and money from Salt.
Before her breakout role on Home and Away Jessica cut her teeth with bit parts in Underbelly: Badness, Tricky Business and Mystery Road.
Multi-talented, Jessica directed comedy web series Loose B***h in September and graduated from NIDA with a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications in 2015.
Previous NIDA graduates include Hugh Jackman, Sam Worthington, Cate Blanchett and Toni Colette.
Soap stint: Jessica pictured on the set of Home and Away with co-star James Stewart
Worked her way up: Before her breakthrough role on Home and Away Jessica cut her teeth with bit parts in Underbelly: Badness, Tricky Business and Mystery Road
Prestigious graduate: Jessica graduated from NIDA with a Bachelor of Arts in Media & Communications in 2015
On Boxing Day, Jessica’s parents Lars, 69, and Vivian, 60, died when their car collided with another vehicle.
Police believe a Toyota Prado being driven in the opposite direction crossed to the other side of the road and hit them head-on south of Sussex Inlet.
Officers managed to pull Jessica and her sister Annabelle, 21, from their Mazda before the car burst into flames.
Annabelle died three days later but Jessica clung to life in a medically induced coma until her life support machine was switched off last Thursday night.
Lars, Vivian and Annabelle were laid to rest in a funeral service in Sydney’s inner west last week.
The crash also claimed the life of the other car’s driver, Craig Anthony Whitall, 50.
Rest in peace: Jessica’s life support was switched off following the funeral of her sister and parents