WAREHAM, Massachusetts – The Mattapoisett and wider South Coast community is mourning the tragic death of Jordan Hansen, a 25-year-old motorcycle enthusiast whose life was cut short on Friday, July 25, following a devastating vehicle collision on Route 28 in Wareham. The crash, which involved a suspected drunk driver with a history of impaired driving arrests, has reignited community outrage over repeat DUI offenses and the consequences that ripple outward from one reckless decision.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Born and raised in Mattapoisett, Jordan Hansen graduated from Old Rochester Regional High School in 2018 and pursued further education at MassBay Community College. Known for his infectious energy, love of motorcycles, and strong work ethic, Hansen had been employed at Robertson’s GMC since 2019—ironically, just steps away from where the fatal crash occurred.
Friends and family describe Jordan as kind, driven, and full of life. His social media was filled with posts about bikes, cars, family gatherings, and beachside sunsets—reflecting his deep love for the South Coast lifestyle and the people who filled his world.
The Collision
At approximately 5:05 p.m. on Friday, Jordan was riding his motorcycle on Route 28 near Wareham Ford, not far from his workplace. According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police reports, 67-year-old Raymond Cardoza, a Wareham resident, was driving a Hyundai Sonata under the influence of alcohol when he attempted to make a left turn from Cranberry Highway onto Monterio Street, cutting directly into Hansen’s path.
The impact sent Jordan Hansen to the pavement, where responding officers later found him unresponsive and struggling to breathe. Emergency services transported him first to Tobey Hospital, then to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, where he ultimately succumbed to life-threatening injuries.
The Suspect: A Pattern of Dangerous Behavior
After the crash, Cardoza fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle and seeking refuge at his sister’s home on Mattos Avenue, just a quarter-mile from the incident. When officers arrived at the residence, Cardoza admitted to driving the Sonata and confessed to having been drinking earlier. “I know I shouldn’t have been driving anyway… It’s my birthday,” he reportedly told Officer Blaise Lalli, who, along with several other officers, noted a strong odor of alcohol on Cardoza’s breath.
Cardoza’s driving privileges had already been suspended, and investigators revealed a troubling pattern: three prior arrests for operating under the influence, dating back to 1985, 1999, and 2013. Despite the alarming record, statute of limitations laws prevented those offenses from influencing the current arraignment.
On Monday, July 28, Cardoza appeared in Wareham District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to multiple charges:
- Operating under the influence
- Operating under the influence causing death
- Leaving the scene of a fatal crash
- Operating with a suspended license
He is currently being held on $250,000 cash bail.
A Father’s Grief, A Community’s Outrage
Members of both Cardoza’s and Hansen’s families were present in the courtroom on Monday. Hansen’s father, heartbroken and stoic, declined to speak to media, but those close to the family say he is “devastated beyond words.”
Jordan’s friends and loved ones have begun planning a public memorial to celebrate his life, while many in the community are calling for legislative reform aimed at increasing penalties for repeat DUI offenders. “This could have been prevented,” said one of Jordan’s former classmates. “How many chances does someone get before it costs an innocent life?”
Local advocacy groups, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), have issued statements urging state lawmakers to re-examine how DUI cases are prosecuted and monitored, especially in instances involving multiple prior offenses and suspended licenses.
Remembering Jordan Hansen
Though Jordan Hansen’s life ended in an act of senseless recklessness, his memory is one of warmth, loyalty, and passion. Whether it was working on cars, taking long rides down the coast, or spending time with his siblings and close-knit group of friends, Jordan brought joy to those around him.
Plans for a celebration of life are currently being arranged by the Hansen family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jordan’s name to organizations dedicated to motorcycle safety education and drunk driving prevention.
In Loving Memory of Jordan Hansen (1999–2025)
Your journey was far too short, but your spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew you. Ride in peace.
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