'Touched the lives of so many': Family pays tribute to paramedic killed outside Sydney McDonald's - 9News

Steven Tougher, 29, married the love of his life last month and his second baby is due in just a few weeks.

On Saturday afternoon, his wife, parents and sister issued a statement on behalf of the entire family, saying the young paramedic's compassion was "exceptional".

Paramedic Steven Tougher is being remembered after allegedly being stabbed to death outside a Sydney McDonald's (Supplied/Tougher family)

"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.

"Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to truly understand their needs, and to provide care with genuine warmth and empathy.

The 29-year-old married the love of his life last month and his second baby is due in just a few weeks. (Supplied/Tougher family)

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

"As we are still coming to terms with our loss, our family requests privacy at this time"

The young father was allegedly stabbed to death while on a break with his colleagues around 5.30am on Friday.

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, from Raby faced court today charged with murder. He did not appear or apply for release and his case will return to court in June.

Fineanganofo's lawyer told the magistrate his client was still in hospital being treated for severe mental health issues.

"I've explained it and he's fully aware of the gravity of the offences," the accused's lawyer Javid Faiz said.

Speaking with 9News, Fineanganofo's family said that they are sorry for what happened.

Flowers have been laid at Campbelltown McDonald's after Tougher's alleged murder. (Nine)

The family gathered at their home in Raby today, where this now alleged murderer lived with his parents.

In the hours following Tougher's death, a shrine of flowers has been growing at the McDonald's in Campbelltown with a NSW Ambulance hat and a stethoscope among the items there in tribute to him.

A retired paramedic also left a letter that said "prayer to you, brother. Your shift has ended. Rest in peace".

Everyone from friends and colleagues to those inspired by him stopped by to leave tokens of their appreciation.

"He was always there for everyone, he had a heart for everyone," Tougher's friend Courtney Dibben said.

A retired paramedic also left a letter which said "prayer to you, brother. Your shift has ended. Rest in peace". (Nine)

"You want to pay your tributes and make sure everyone is looked after and remembered," paramedic student Reehanna Shepard said.

The 30-year-old previously worked as a nurse around his hometown of Wollongong.

His former colleague Emma Gedge said she was in "total shock and disbelief" following Tougher's death.

"You just could ask him for anything and he'd be there," Gedge said.

"He fought so hard for his patients and for his colleagues".

Tougher's lifelong dream was to become a paramedic and he achieved it just last year.

The paramedic is being remembered for his kindness to others (9News)

"I have now officially been inducted into NSW Ambulance," he wrote on Facebook last July.

"I'm kicking myself, I finally got there... bring on the next 12 months."

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park told Today the pain and suffering his family was going through was something no one could "pretend to imagine".

"A gentleman who was doing his job, serving his community, a gentleman who loved the paramedics, he loved his family, he was due to be a dad again in just a few months' time and it's absolutely heartbreaking," Park said.

Steven Tougher was due to be a father for the second time in just a few weeks. (9News)

"There are recommendations to keep our paramedics safer, we'll make sure they are carried through and implemented.

He said there is an ongoing trial of body-worn cameras for paramedics.

"We will make sure that every available support and resource is wrapped around his colleagues and is wrapped around his family and loved ones as they go through what is a very, very difficult time."

Tougher was having a break when a 21-year-old man allegedly approached him with a knife and stabbed him repeatedly in the stomach.

His colleague was able to raise the alarm and police were there within minutes but Tougher died in hospital.

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2023-04-15 13:28:01Z
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