‘He brought warmth, smiles, and comfort’: California neighborhood in mourning after local cat struck and killed by a Waymo robotaxi

The Mission District in San Francisco is grieving the death of a beloved communal cat named KitKat after he was struck by a Waymo driverless car. 

The tragic incident occurred on October 27, KitKat was found with fatal wounds around 11:40pm according to an article from Mission Local. Waymo later confirmed that one of its driverless vehicles had indeed been responsible for hitting the poor cat. A statement from the company went into more detail over how the incident happened.

“We reviewed this, and while our vehicle was stopped to pick up passengers, a nearby cat darted under our vehicle as it was pulling away,” the company sent condolences to the owners of KitKat and the community “who knew and loved him.” Waymo also pledged to make a donation to a local animal rights organization although neglected to say how much. 

Is Waymo to blame?

The company didn’t release the footage of the incident and their description of the incident makes it sound like a simple accident. However, on X, people are not letting the company off the hook. Witnesses claim that the autonomous vehicle didn’t even try to stop.

Driverless cars aren’t perfect and they have caused injury in the past. However, a video posted to TikTok back in September does show a Waymo stopping for a cat lying in the street, so it appears the cars are at least theoretically capable of stopping for cats in the road.

Others online called for justice for KitKat. “$kitkat deserves more than @Waymo,” wrote one, “we need justice!” “So let’s get this right, no one likes waymo and everyone loved $KITKAT,” added another.

It seems the people have spoken and they are unanimously speaking in support of the beloved cat.

The community mourns KitKat

Of course, none of that changes the fact that there is a cat-shaped hole in the Mission District’s heart. KitKat called the Randa’s market on 16th street home. He could often be found lounging on the counter of the convenience store, and customers would often give him pets and treats.

KitKat made his debut at Randa’s six years ago and quickly became an icon in the local community. He was also the star of the Randa’s market Instagram account which is filled with pictures of the adorable tabby cat. The most recent post was six days ago, confirming the sad news of KitKit’s passing.

“We’re heartbroken to share that our beloved store cat, KitKat, has passed away.” The caption reads. The comments were flooded with Instagram users sending their condolences and sharing their grief, “In tears writing this cause this kitty meant so much to all of us…” one person wrote. A second echoed the sentiment adding, “Absolutely crushed me yesterday walking to bart on my way home from work and I saw the memorial.”