Steven Tougher (pictured) was stabbed to death on Friday. He was 29
Former patients of a paramedic who was allegedly stabbed 50 times in a McDonald’s car park have remembered the young dad as a hero for saving their lives while on the job.
Steven Tougher, 29, was almost at the end of his shift when he sat in the back of his ambulance during a meal break outside the fast food restaurant on Queen Street in Campbelltown, in western Sydney, at 5.30am on Friday.
Police allege Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, pulled up next to the ambulance, pulled the rear doors of the vehicle open and unleashed his ‘frenzied’ and ‘unprovoked’ attack.
The paramedic was raced to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition but later died. Fineanganofo was arrested and charged with murder.
A GoFundMe campaign was set up to support Mr Tougher’s pregnant widow, Madison, who he only married about a month ago. The newlyweds were expecting their second child in a matter of weeks.
More than 6,000 people donated about $400,000 within the first three days – many of whom either worked with Mr Tougher, or had been in his care.
One woman, Amy, said he was one of the attending paramedics who saved her partner’s life – just weeks before the alleged stabbing.
‘Whilst waiting for a hospital bed, Steven sat with us and shared pictures of his recent wedding, talked about his love for his little one and excitement about his wife’s pregnancy,’ she wrote.
Steven Tougher is pictured with his wife, Madison
‘From our family to his, sending our deepest condolences may he RIP. He was an angel for our family.’
Another patient, Yvonne, said Mr Tougher had recently raced her to hospital in Wollongong: ‘I cannot imagine the heartache his family are going through … Fly high buddy.’
A former colleague, Jenna, said she was ‘blessed’ to work alongside the young dad.
‘You loved talking about your wife, son and unborn child. You were always so scared to bring some bug or infection home to them,’ she wrote.
‘The way your eyes lit up every time you spoke about Madison – it was just beautiful.’
A woman named Tanika studied at Charles Sturt University with Mr Tougher, and said he helped her achieve her goals.
‘You deserved so much more than this,’ she wrote.
Some remembered his big smile and upbeat energy while working with him in the St John’s cadets as teenagers, while others who worked with him at NSW Ambulance said he was a ‘beautiful, caring’ person.
Paramedic Steven Tougher and his wife Madison tied the knot about five weeks before he died
Another woman named Amanda said she and her husband are both paramedics, and had sat in the same McDonald’s car park in Campbelltown ‘many times’.
‘I am devastated that this has happened and my heart hurts for you Madison, your children, and for Steven’s whole family. Steven your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten,’ she wrote.
Police allege Mr Tougher was ‘completely defenceless’ and wedged between Fineanganofo’s car and the ambulance during the alleged attack.
Onlookers tried unsuccessfully to intervene and talk the alleged stabber down. He was eventually tasered by police.
Fineanganofo did not appear before Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday, but his lawyer Javid Faiz told the court his client would not apply for release.
Court documents stated Fineanganofo was diagnosed with psychosis in 2021, but was not medicated.
The scene where Steven Tougher, 29, was allegedly stabbed 50 times in a McDonald’s car park on Queen Street in Campbelltown, western Sydney, at 5.30am on Friday
Mr Faiz said outside court that his client was aware of the serious nature of the alleged crime, despite his serious mental health issues.
His matter will be mentioned in court again on June 28.
Mr Tougher’s wife Madison, his parents Jillian and Jeff, and his sister Jess issued an emotional 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,’ the family said.
‘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.’
The family thanked the help and support they received from the ambulance service and members of the community.
