Steven Tougher has been remembered as a man “always ready with a smile”, who touched and bettered the lives of those around him before his was cut drastically short.
On Saturday afternoon, Tougher’s wife, Madison, parents Jillian and Jeff, and sister Jess issued a statement on behalf of the family, paying tribute to Tougher’s compassion, kindness and love for his job as an ambulance paramedic.
Tougher, a 29-year-old father of one, was stabbed outside Campbelltown McDonald’s in south-west Sydney while he and a workmate took a break towards the end of their night shift about 5.30am on Friday.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder.
“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 family said Steven was “always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a lending hand and brought joy to those around him”, as a much-loved husband, father, son, brother and paramedic.
A GoFundMe page set up on Friday afternoon sought support for the paramedic’s partner who is expecting a second child.
It is understood the recently married couple intended raising their family in south-western Sydney after he recently landed a posting in the area.
Shepley Dana, a close friend of the family, remembered her son celebrating Tougher’s wedding mere weeks ago when he attended as the best man.
“I’ve never known anyone so excited about having his beautiful little family growing by one in a few weeks,” she posted on social media.
“To say devastated isn’t a big enough word … may your love and light stay with all of us.”
Emma Gedge, a NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association councillor and midwife, spoke on behalf of Illawarra staff who worked alongside Tougher, their friend and colleague.
“A dedicated nurse and staunch union activist, Steven never hesitated to help people, no matter the circumstances,” she said.
“Steven never stopped advocating for his colleagues and patients. We will never forget his big smiles, cheeky giggles and charismatic personality.
“Steven was a true hero with the kindest soul, who worked towards his dream of becoming a paramedic for many years. He was a loving son, partner, father and friend. We are devastated by this senseless loss and send our deepest sympathies to Steven’s family.”
The Charles Sturt University vice-chancellor, Prof Renée Leon, said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of the death of Tougher, who graduated from the university with a degree in paramedicine in 2021.
Tanika Psaila, who studied with Tougher at CSU, remembered him as an “amazing human” who devoted his life to helping others.
“Every assignment, every exam … Steve was there for me, cramming in study, proofreading each other’s work and celebrating our results together,” she wrote on social media. “He was truly a selfless individual.”
Steph Wells, an enrolled nurse at NSW Health, posted a tribute to Tougher on social media.
“I am utterly shocked,” she wrote.
“I remember our days as you being a cadet, being that absolute keen bean wanting to take over patients and being involved as much as possible – to finally becoming a nurse and then paramedic as your dream job became true.”
Paul Harrison, a childhood friend of Tougher, remembered growing up on the same street and creating extreme sport games on his back yard trampoline.
“Disbelief and devastated are the feelings I still have the morning after hearing about the loss of Steven Tougher,” he wrote on social media.
“Seeing Steve’s infectious smile before heading in for surgery a few years back gave me certainty that things were going to be okay.”
The family has requested privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
