The family of a young paramedic stabbed to death at the end of his shift has paid tribute.
Steven Tougher, 29, was nearing the end of his shift at 5.30am on Friday when he sat down in the back of his ambulance on Queen St at a McDonald’s in Campbelltown, a south-west Sydney suburb.
While he was taking his meal break, police claimed the back doors had been pulled open by a man who then stabbed Mr Tougher several times. He was taken to Liverpool Hospital in critical condition but later died.
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was later charged.
Fineanganofo did not appear before Parramatta’s bail court on Saturday, while his lawyer Javid Faiz told the court his client had not applied for a release.
Outside court, Mr Faiz said the accused was aware of the serious crime he was accused of despite having serious mental health problems.
Mr. Tougher’s wife Madison, his parents Jillian and Jeff and his sister Jess released a statement on Saturday afternoon: “Steven’s dedication to helping others shone brightest during his work as a NSW Ambulance paramedic and before that as a nurse.
Paramedic Steven Tougher (right) married the love of his life, Madison (left), just four weeks before he was stabbed to death outside a McDonald’s in southwest Sydney
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was later charged
But it wasn’t just his medical expertise that made him exceptional — Steven’s compassion touched the lives of so many people.
“He had a way of calming fears, offering words of comfort and showing kindness in the midst of chaotic or traumatic events.
“Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people, really understand their needs, and provide care with genuine warmth and empathy.
‘He was always ready with a smile, a kind word or a helping hand and brought joy to those around him.
“As we continue to mourn our beloved husband, father, son and brother, we are grateful for all the love and support we have received from his NSW Ambulance colleagues, his closest friends and family, the greater NSW Health family, NSW police, and community members.
“As we are still processing our loss, our family is requesting privacy at this time.”
Faiz said Fineanganofo is aware of the seriousness of the crime he is accused of.
“I have explained the violations and he is fully aware of the seriousness,” Mr Faiz said.
Madison, wife of Mr. Tougher, his parents Jillian and Jeff and his sister Jess issued a statement Saturday afternoon
Mr. Tougher would be going on paternity leave soon and his and his wife Maddison’s new baby would arrive in a few weeks (pictured Mr. and Mrs. Tougher leaving their marriage together in mid-March)
“My client currently (has) police (at his) bedside and he suffers from a mental health problem.”
It is clear that Fineanganofo lives in southwest Sydney with his parents.
After the trial, Fineanganofo’s heartbroken father said the family was “broken.”
“We just want to say we are sorry for the family and for what happened.
“That’s all we can say,” Toketa Fineanganofo told the Saturday Telegraph at his home in southwest Sydney.
Mr. Tougher, a newlywed couple whose wife is expecting their second child within weeks, has been described as a ‘beautiful soul’ by friends and family.
A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than $120,000 for his young family.
Tributes have flowed across Australia for the paramedic who was killed on the job.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Mr Tougher on Twitter on Friday, calling his death “as shocking as it is tragic”.
Steven Tougher, 29, was nearing the end of his shift at 5:30 a.m. Friday when he was repeatedly stabbed
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was later charged
On Friday, NSW Deputy Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said Mr Tougher “wanted nothing more than to serve his community.”
NSW Secretary of Health Susan Pearce burst into tears as she addressed the death.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to the paramedic’s wife and family,” she said.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said the stabbing was a “terrible situation” for the entire paramedic fraternity to experience.
“It’s a reminder that it’s a very difficult and dangerous job,” Mr Minns said
It is understood that Mr. Tougher was nearing the end of a long night shift, completing paperwork in the back of his van in the McDonald’s parking lot when a stranger allegedly lunged at him with a knife and stabbed him repeatedly in the stomach.
Mr. Tougher and his colleague had “worked hard all night” and at that point took a meal break.
The tragic news comes just five weeks after Mr. Tougher married the love of his life, Madison, who will give birth to their second child in the coming weeks.
Excited family members shared videos and photos of the happy bride and groom on the special day on social media, totally unaware tragedy would soon strike.
“Mr. and Mrs. Tougher,” the groom proudly posted the next day.
Footage and photos show the couple doing their wedding waltz, celebrating with loved ones and on the dance floor with guests.
“We couldn’t be more proud of our boy on his wedding day,” his mother wrote at the time.
“What a magical day!”
Mr. Tougher’s tragic death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from grief-stricken friends and colleagues, along with messages of support for his wife and family.
Many have changed their profile picture to the NSW Ambulance logo surrounded by angel wings in honor of the fallen paramedic.
‘Life is not fair. Life is too short. Especially for you Steven Tougher,” one woman wrote.
“I remember our days when you were a cadet, that absolute sharp bean who wanted to take over patients and get involved as much as possible — eventually becoming a nurse and then a paramedic when your dream job became a reality.
“To Mr. and Mrs. Tougher, I am so sorry for the loss of your son.
“Madison, I can’t imagine the pain you’re going through right now. Just know that he will be in your heart for every future moment of your life.”
A former nursing colleague added: What a tragic loss. I can’t believe you’re gone. I remember your first days when you started nursing at Lawrence Hargraves as an AIN, you said from the start I want to be a Paramedic and that’s exactly what you did. you worked so hard to get there because your passion was to help other such a kind and caring soul. My heart breaks for all of your family and many friends and colleagues.’
Tributes were paid at the scene of the tragedy on Friday, as family and friends online paid tribute to Mr Tougher
A friend wrote: “No words can explain how unfair this is. Steven Tougher, sir, you were truly an angel who lived among us and what happened to you is beyond devastating.
“Mate, I know it’s a pretty general line that gets used a lot in times like this, but as far as you’re concerned, it’s definitely on the money, ‘Buddy, it’s been a blessing to have known you and been blessed to have the warmth of having experienced your beautiful soul.’
“Calm down, big guy.”
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan met Madison in the hours following the attack, as well as Mr Tougher’s mother, father and sister and said they were ‘beside themselves’.
He said Mr. Tougher’s father had told him that he knew from the age of five that he wanted to be a paramedic.
“He wanted nothing more than to serve his community,” Commissioner Morgan said.
‘He was with us for a relatively short time and had recently learned that he had been transferred back to south-west Sydney.
“I was told he was so happy to be able to stay here and raise his family.”
Commissioner Morgan also sent his best wishes to Mr. Tougher’s family and colleagues.
“I have so much respect for the way (Mr. Tougher’s family) are processing their grief, and I wish such wonderful things for the man’s paramedic colleagues who worked valiantly to resuscitate and save their paramedic’s life – sadly should it not be,’ he said.