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Newlywed paramedic stabbed to death outside McDonald's was expecting a baby in a few weeks

Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, is charged for stabbing Steven Tougher multiple times in the stomach while he was taking his food break

SYDENY, AUSTRALIA: The grieving family of a young paramedic who was fatally stabbed after his shift has paid him a heartfelt tribute. When Steven Tougher, 29, sat in the back of his ambulance on Queen St outside a McDonald's in Campbelltown, in Sydney's southwest, he was nearing the end of his shift at 5.30 am on Friday, April 14.

Police believe that a man pulled open the back doors while Tougher was taking his food break, and that after that, the man stabbed him numerous times in the stomach. The paramedic was taken in a serious condition by ambulance to Liverpool Hospital, but the individual nonetheless succumbed to death.

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The scene resulted in the arrest of Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, who was then escorted to Campbelltown Police Station, where he was later charged. On Saturday, Fineanganofo was scheduled to appear in Parramatta Bail Court, but his attorney, Javid Faiz, informed the court that his client was not seeking release. Outside of court, Faiz claimed that despite having major mental health concerns, the accused was aware of the heinous offense of which he was accused.

On Saturday afternoon, Tougher's wife, Madison, his parents, Jeff and Jillian, and his sister, Jess, released a heartfelt statement. According to the family, "Steven's dedication to helping others shone brightest during his work as an NSW Ambulance paramedic and previously as a nurse."

'Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people'

The family added, "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," as reported by Guardian.

'I've explained the offenses, and he is fully aware of the gravity'

The family added, "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." Faiz claimed that Fineanganofo was aware of the gravity of the alleged offense. He said, "I've explained the offenses, and he is fully aware of the gravity."

The father of Fineanganofo, who was devastated, described the family as "broken" following the court hearing. He said, "We just want to say we are so sorry to the family and for what has happened." Toketa Fineanganofo told the Saturday Telegraph at his southwest Sydney house, where it is believed Jordan lived with his parents, "We can't say anymore." Friends and relatives have referred to Tougher, a newlywed whose wife is expecting their second child in a few weeks, as having a "beautiful soul," as reported by DailyMail.

'All Australians send our sympathies and condolences to his loved one'

For his young family, a GoFundMe campaign has already garnered more than $259,000.Australia-wide condolences have been expressed for the paramedic who died in the line of duty. On Twitter on Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Tougher as he wrote, "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."