Newlywed stabbed to death at Mcdonald's had just become paramedic

15 April 2023 , 08:15

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Mr Tougher was newly married and expecting his second child with his wife

An Australian man who was stabbed to death while on break in a McDonald’s carpark has been identified as a newlywed paramedic.

Steven Tougher, 29, was sitting in his ambulance at Campbelltown McDonald’s, on the outskirts of Sydney, as he and his colleague took a break towards the end of their night shift at about 5:30 am on Friday.

He was stabbed multiple times in the torso and was treated at the scene before he was rushed to Liverpool Hospital, where he later died.

It has now been revealed that Mr Tougher was newly married and expecting his second child with his wife, who is due to give birth in just weeks.

Steven Tougher pictured with wife Madison

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, was found with a knife at the scene and arrested outside the Mcdonald's and taken to the Campbelltown Police Station before he was later charged with murder.

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He remains in police custody and is undergoing a mental health assessment.

A joint family statement from 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 New South Wales [NSW] Ambulance paramedic and previously as a nurse.

“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.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce (7News)

“He was always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a lending hand and brought joy to those around him.

NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce spoke through tears to the press, saying the health system was one big family: "To lose someone in this way is incomprehensible to us. Our health system has been through a lot over these last three years."

Mr Fineanganofo did not appear in Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday morning, with his lawyer Javid Faiz telling the court his client would not be making a release application.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Mr Tougher on Twitter on Friday, calling his death “as shocking as it is tragic.”

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Dozens of flowers and cards have been left by McDonald's, with one letter reading: "I pray for his young family, extended family, colleagues and his friends.

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

Rachel Hagan