The Mission District community is mourning the loss of KitKat, a beloved bodega cat and liquor store mascot who allegedly lost his life due to a Waymo autonomous vehicle. The incident occurred late Monday night, around 11:40 p.m., when witnesses reported that the Waymo swerved off its path and struck KitKat while he sat on the sidewalk outside Randa’s Market.
Tragic Incident Reports
Jeff Klein, who witnessed the accident, recounted seeing the vehicle swerve before people on the sidewalk rushed to rescue the injured cat. A 311 complaint filed shortly after the event stated that the autonomous car did not attempt to stop. Tragically, KitKat was found with a broken leg and in severe distress.
The Community Remembers KitKat
KitKat, at only nine years old, was well known throughout the Mission District. Regulars at Delirium and Randa’s frequented the area to see him and often brought treats. He had a favorite resting spot next to the heating vent in Randa’s Market.
- Location: Randa’s Market, 3131 16th St. near Valencia
- Date of Incident: October 28, 2025
- Community Reactions: Heartfelt memorial with offerings
On Tuesday evening, around 15 people gathered to create a makeshift altar outside Randa’s Market. Items placed at the altar included Kit-Kat bars, bottles of Cazadores tequila, candles, and even ceramic cat figures. Many mourners embraced the store’s owner, Mike Zeidan, as they shared their grief and memories of KitKat.
KitKat’s Role in The Community
KitKat was often referred to as the neighborhood’s “security guard.” Bartenders and shop employees noted how he would check on patrons, ensuring their safety. Jessica Chapdelaine, a Delirium bartender, described KitKat as “everyone’s best friend” and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
In the wake of the tragedy, some memorial items carried political messages. Signs stating “Kill a Waymo! Save a Cat!” were displayed alongside heartfelt tributes, illustrating the community’s frustration and grief over the incident.
Final Moments
After the accident, KitKat was taken to a veterinarian but sadly succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving. Sheau-Wha Mau, a bartender, was one of the first to find KitKat after the incident and described the heartbreaking moment of discovering him injured.
The tragic death of KitKat serves as a somber reminder of the complexities surrounding autonomous vehicles in urban settings. As the community reflects on their loss, they remember not just a cat, but a vital piece of their social fabric.
