BREAKING: A beloved bodega cat named KitKat has tragically been killed by a Waymo autonomous vehicle in San Francisco’s Mission District. This incident, which occurred on July 31, 2023, at approximately 12:51 a.m., has sparked outrage among local residents and online communities.
KitKat, a 9-year-old tabby known as the “Mayor of 16th Street,” was struck outside Randa’s Market while sitting on the sidewalk. Witnesses reported that the Waymo vehicle did not attempt to avoid the cat, prompting a flood of condolences and protests from the community. A makeshift memorial now stands at the site, adorned with candles, marigolds, and a sign reading, “Kill a Waymo, save a cat.”
Mike Zeidan, KitKat’s owner and the proprietor of Randa’s Market, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “He really was the special, one-of-a-kind thing that brought everybody together.” Residents frequently visited KitKat, bringing treats and toys, showcasing the cat’s significant impact on the neighborhood.
Waymo confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that their vehicle, which was picking up passengers, encountered the cat unexpectedly. “We send our deepest sympathies to the cat’s owner and the community who knew and loved him,” the spokesperson added, announcing a donation to a local animal rights organization in KitKat’s honor.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have raised critical questions about the safety of autonomous vehicles. The city received an anonymous complaint alleging that the Waymo did not take any measures to avoid the cat. This has led to discussions about the capabilities of autonomous technology, particularly regarding detecting small animals.
Experts like Missy Cummings, director at George Mason University’s Autonomy and Robotics Center, noted that current autonomous vehicle technology may not be equipped to recognize objects beneath them, while Bryant Walker Smith, a law professor, highlighted the limitations of legal recourse for pet owners in such incidents.
As the community mourns, KitKat’s memorial continues to grow, with messages of love and support flooding social media. A post on Randa’s Market’s Instagram received thousands of likes, with comments demonstrating anger towards Waymo, including sentiments like, “Killing KitKat is another strike against the billionaire techies.”
This tragic event not only reflects the emotional bond between pets and their owners but also raises urgent questions about the future of autonomous vehicles in urban environments. As Waymo expands its operations across the Bay Area, the community is left grappling with the implications of this technology and its impact on beloved local pets.
Local residents are calling for accountability and better safety measures for autonomous vehicles, emphasizing that the loss of such a cherished figure like KitKat should not be overlooked. The story of KitKat, who brought joy to so many, serves as a poignant reminder of the need for responsibility in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
