Heartbroken family of slain ambo Steven Tougher break silence

The heartbroken family of a paramedic stabbed to death outside a Sydney McDonald’s have paid tribute to a man they described as generous and empathetic.

The heartbroken family of a paramedic allegedly murdered outside a Sydney McDonald’s have described him as a kind, warm man who “touched the lives of so many”.

The tragic death and alleged murder of Steven Tougher on Friday morning has triggered an outpouring of grief from his loved ones and the community.

A 21-year-old man is in police custody undergoing a mental health assessment after being charged with Mr Tougher’s murder.

Mr Tougher was killed as he was nearing the end of his shift and sat in the back if his ambulance at the Queen St fast food restaurant at Campbelltown.

Sydney paramedic Steven Tougher, 29, has died after he was stabbed in Campbelltown. Picture: Supplied.

Police allege that Mr Tougher was taking his meal break when the rear doors of the vehicle were pulled open and he was stabbed multiple times.

He was rushed to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition but later died.

Mr Tougher was newly married and expecting his second child with his wife, who is due to give birth in just weeks.

In a statement on Saturday, Mr Tougher’s wife Madison, parents Jillian and Jeff, and sister Jess paid tribute to his kindness, empathy, and warmth.

“Steven’s dedication to helping others shone brightest during his work as a NSW Ambulance paramedic and previously as a nurse,” the family said in a statement.

There was an outpouring of emotion for Mr Tougher on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“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.”

The heartbroken family said they were still coming to terms with their loss.

Community members stopped to pay tribute to paramedic Steven Tougher. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper.

“While we are still grieving our much-loved husband, father, son, and brother,” the family said.

“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.”

The family’s statement comes as a mentally ill man appeared in court for the first time after being charged with Mr Tougher’s murder.

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was arrested at the scene outside the McDonalds and taken to the Campbelltown Police Station before he was later charged with murder.

Mr Fineanganofo’s lawyer David Faiz told reporters his client was in hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The Raby man did not appear when his matter was mentioned in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday morning, with his lawyer Javid Faiz telling the court his client would not be making a release application.

Outside court, Mr Faiz told reporters that Mr Fineanganofo was undergoing a mental health assessment.

Mr Faiz said his client suffered from mental health issues and was in hospital under police guard.

“I’ve explained the offences and he is fully aware of the gravity,” Mr Faiz said.

On Saturday, there was an outpouring of emotion at the scene where Mr Tougher was killed.

One note left for Steven Tougher at the scene were he died. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Dozens of flowers and cards were laid at the scene by wellwishers and people affected by the tragedy.

One letter, left by a distraught former paramedic said: “I pray for his young family, extended family, colleagues and his friends.

“I am absolutely devastated, angry and heartbroken for my fellow paramedic brother.”

Paramedics from across the state paid tribute to the young man killed while doing his job.

One note attached to a large bunch of flowers read: “From your colleagues at Mudgee Ambulance Station”.

Emergency services outside a McDonalds on Queen St, Campbelltown, on Friday. Picture: TNV.

The paramedic 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 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.”

The death of a paramedic in Sydney this morning is as shocking as it is tragic.

All Australians send our sympathies and condolences to his loved ones, friends and colleagues.

To every frontline worker, you are valued. You keep us safe. You deserve to be safe at work.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 14, 2023

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 a very difficult and dangerous job,” Mr Minns said.

This morning we lost the life of a young paramedic who was killed while on duty.

He dedicated his professional life to helping others.

To all those mourning after hearing this news - my heart goes out to you.

And to every paramedic in our state - thank you for all that you do.

— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) April 14, 2023