The family of a young paramedic stabbed to death at the end of his shift have paid a moving tribute to him.
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 outside a McDonald’s at Campbelltown in Sydney’s south-west.
As he took his meal break, police allege the rear doors were pulled open by a man who proceeded to stab Mr Tougher multiple times. The paramedic was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition, but later died.
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene and taken to the Campbelltown Police Station, where he was later charged.
Fineanganofo did not appear before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, with his lawyer Javid Faiz telling the court his client was not applying for release.
Outside court Mr Faiz said the accused was aware of the serious crime he was accused of, despite suffering from serious mental health issues.
Mr Tougher’s wife Madison, his parents Jillian and Jeff and his sister Jess issued a touching statement on Saturday afternoon: ‘Steven’s dedication to helping others shone brightest during his work as a NSW Ambulance paramedic and previously 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 southwest Sydney McDonald’s
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene and taken to the 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 solace, and showing kindness in the midst of chaotic or traumatic events.
‘Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to truly understand their needs, and to provide care with genuine warmth and empathy.
‘He was always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a lending hand and brought joy to those around him.
‘While we are still grieving our much-loved husband, father, son, and brother, we are thankful for all the love and support we’ve received from his NSW Ambulance colleagues, his closest friends and family, the greater NSW Health family, NSW Police, and members of the community.
‘As we are still coming to terms with our loss, our family requests privacy at this time.’
Mr Faiz said Fineanganofo is aware of the seriousness of the crime he is accused of.
‘I’ve explained the offences and he is fully aware of the gravity,’ Mr Faiz said.
Mr Tougher’s wife Madison, his parents Jillian and Jeff and his sister Jess issued a statement on Saturday afternoon
Mr Tougher was set to go on paternity leave soon with his and his wife Maddison’s new baby set to arrive in a few weeks (pictured, Mr and Mrs Tougher leaving their wedding together in mid-March)
‘My client currently (has) police (at his) bedside and he is suffering a mental health issue.’
It’s understood Fineanganofo lives in Sydney’s south-west with his parents.
After the court appearance, Fineanganofo’s devastated dad said the family was ‘broken’.
‘We just want to say we are so sorry to the family and for what has happened.
‘We can’t say anymore,’ Toketa Fineanganofo told the Saturday Telegraph at his southwest Sydney home.
Mr Tougher, a newlywed whose wife is due to have their second child in weeks, has been described as a ‘beautiful soul’ by friends and family.
A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than $259,000 for his young family.
Tributes have flowed throughout Australia for the paramedic killed while doing his 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 5.30am on Friday when he was repeatedly stabbed
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene and taken to the 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 Health Secretary Susan Pearce broke down in tears as she addressed the death.
‘I’d like to extend the deepest condolences to the wife and family of the paramedic,’ 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 t a very difficult and dangerous job,’ Mr Minns said
It’s understood Mr Tougher was nearing the end of a long night shift and was finishing off paperwork in the back of his van in the McDonald’s carpark when a stranger allegedly lunged at him with a knife and repeatedly stabbed him in the stomach.
Mr Tougher and his colleague had been ‘working hard all night’ and were taking a meal break at the time.
The tragic news comes just five weeks after Mr Tougher married the love of his life, Madison – who is due to 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, completely unaware tragedy would soon strike.
‘Mr and Mrs Tougher,’ the groom proudly posted the following day.
Footage and photos show the couple doing their wedding waltz, celebrating with loved ones and on the dancefloor with guests.
‘We could not be more proud of our boy on his wedding day,’ his mum wrote at the time.
‘What a magical day!’
Mr Tougher’s tragic death has sparked 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 photo to the NSW Ambulance logo surrounded by angel wings in honour of the fallen paramedic.
‘Life isn’t fair. Life is too short. Especially to you Steven Tougher,’ one woman wrote.
‘I remember our days as you being a cadet, being that absolute keen bean wanting to take over patients and being involved as much as possible – to finally becoming a nurse and then paramedic as your dream job became true.
‘To Mr and Mrs Tougher, I am so sorry for the loss of your son.
‘Madison, I can’t begin to imagine what pain you are going through right now. Just know that he will be with every future moment of your life sitting in your heart.’
A former nursing colleague added: Such a tragic loss I can’t believe your gone, I remember your first days starting nursing at Lawrence Hargraves as an AIN, you said from the start I want to be a paramedic and that’s just 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 you family and many many friends and colleague.’
Tributes were placed at the scene of the tragedy on Friday as family and friends remembered Mr Tougher online
One friend wrote: ‘No words can explain how unfair this is. Steven Tougher you sir were truly an angel that lived amongst us and what has happened to you is beyond devastating.
‘Mate I know it’s a pretty generic line that’s thrown around a lot in times like these, however in regards to you it’s absolutely on the money: ‘Buddy it was a blessing to have known you and be blessed to have experienced the warmth of your beautiful soul.’
‘Rest easy big fella.’
NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dominic Morgan met with Madison in the hours after the attack as well as Mr Tougher’s mother, father and sister and said they are ‘beside themselves’.
He said Mr Tougher’s father told him 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’d been with us for a relatively short period of time and had recently found out that he’d been posted back to southwest Sydney.
‘I’m told he was so pleased that he was going to be able to stay here and bring up his family.’
Commissioner Morgan also sent well wishes to Mr Tougher’s family and coworkers.
‘I have such respect for the way that (Mr Tougher’s family) are working through their grief, and am wishing such great things for the man’s paramedic colleagues who valiantly worked to resuscitate and save their paramedic colleague’s life — unfortunately, it was not to be,’ he said.
