Trendpills
The San Francisco community is mourning the loss of KitKat, a beloved feline figure from the Mission District, who was fatally struck by a Waymo autonomous vehicle. The incident occurred late Monday night outside Randa's Market on 16th Street, the convenience store where the cat lived and served as a cherished local ambassador.
Mike Zeidan, owner of the market and KitKat, confirmed the cat's death. KitKat was a local icon, affectionately known by many as the "mayor of 16th Street" for his friendly presence, often seen lounging near the storefront or greeting residents and customers. His passing has triggered a significant outpouring of grief from the neighborhood and on social media, where many have shared memories and condolences. Following the incident, a makeshift memorial with flowers, photos, and handwritten notes quickly appeared outside the market, underscoring how deeply the beloved neighborhood cat's death has impacted the community.
Waymo, the self-driving technology company owned by Alphabet, acknowledged the incident in a statement. The company confirmed that one of its vehicles was involved and expressed condolences to the owner and the community. According to Waymo's initial review, its software detected an object moving near the vehicle, but the company claims the collision was unavoidable. In a detailed account, the company's debrief explained the cat darted under car just before the incident, which occurred around 11 p.m. The company is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
The death of KitKat has resonated beyond simple grief, reigniting local debates about the safety and integration of autonomous vehicles on city streets. The incident comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for robotaxi companies operating in San Francisco, with residents expressing mixed feelings about their presence. While Zeidan, the owner, stated he does not blame the technology entirely, the event where a Waymo vehicle killed the iconic cat has become a poignant symbol of the friction between technological advancement and the unpredictable nature of urban life.
