Odele Ventimiglia, daughter of Sopranos legend John, has died at the age of 25, her family has confirmed.
Her heartbroken relatives took to social media to share the news of her passing on January 12, months after she had given birth to her baby girl Shiloh. A cause of death was not shared, but the family have asked well-wishers to make a donation to an education fund for Shiloh in lieu of flowers.
In an emotional Facebook post, reported by the Mirror, Odele's mother Belinda said she and the rest of the family had been "overwhelmed" by the support they had received in recent days. Her funeral due to take place today in Brooklyn, New York.
Belinda wrote: "Heartbroken to have to post our darling Odele's funeral notice. 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.
"Odele was greatly loved and leaves a huge hole in our lives. Odele is survived by her sister, Lucinda Ventimiglia, mother, Belinda Cape, father John Ventimiglia, and her beloved daughter Shiloh."
Over $52,700 has been donated to the fundraising page – exceeding the family's initial target of $50k. Both the Facebook post and the GoFundMe have been flooded with messages of support.
One mourner said: "I'm so sorry Belinda my prayers are with you and family. Odele was a beautiful and talented young woman. [The] baby is so beautiful she looks like Odele. My condolences."
Another wrote: "Belinda. I'm so saddened by your unbelievable loss. I watched Odele grow up and I know how thrilled she was to have Shiloh. No words can comfort you but know that I'm thinking of you."
A third added: "So sad to hear this terrible news. I loved having sweet Odele in my Kindergarten class. I am so sorry for your loss. I will be there on Thursday."
"I cannot imagine the heartache you feel at this time. My heart goes out to you and the family," said another well-wisher.
John Ventimiglia is best known for his role in the HBO drama The Sopranos, in which he played Artie Bucco, a long-time friend of central character and mobster Tony Soprano. He has since appeared in police procedural Blue Bloods and Marvel Netflix show Jessica Jones.
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