Beloved Wrigley Field cat “Roofus” dies after being thrown from Cubs stadium upper deck

Witnesses say the orange tabby — a fixture outside Wrigley Field for years — was hurled from the upper deck during Thursday’s afternoon game. CPD and stadium security are investigating.

Roofus, a familiar orange tabby outside Wrigley Field. Neighbors say the cat was a fixture near the ballpark for years. (Chicago Metro Watch)

CHICAGO — A neighborhood cat known to generations of Cubs fans as “Roofus” died Thursday after witnesses say the animal was thrown from an upper deck at Wrigley Field during the afternoon game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago police and multiple eyewitnesses told Chicago Metro Watch early Friday.

Roofus, an orange tabby estimated to be about 8 years old, had become a fixture along Sheffield Avenue and the rooftops surrounding the ballpark. Vendors, season-ticket holders, and bar staff in Wrigleyville described the cat as a friendly presence who often lounged near gate attendants and accepted treats from regulars.

According to three fans seated in the upper deck who asked not to be named pending the investigation, a person in a Cubs jersey lifted the cat over a railing and threw the animal from the upper level shortly after the fifth inning. Roofus landed on a lower concourse area and was rushed by stadium staff to a nearby veterinary clinic, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

CPD opens investigation

Chicago Police Department Area 3 detectives are investigating the incident as a possible animal cruelty case. A CPD spokesperson said officers responded to a call at Wrigley Field around 2:40 p.m. Thursday and that video from security cameras and fan cellphones is being reviewed overnight.

“This was a gentle animal that half of Wrigleyville considered family. Whoever did this will face the full weight of the law if we can identify them.”

— CPD Area 3 spokesperson, speaking to reporters outside the ballpark late Thursday

The Cubs organization said in a statement Thursday night that it is “deeply disturbed by reports of an animal being harmed at our ballpark” and is cooperating fully with police. The team said it does not know how a cat entered the seating bowl and is reviewing guest policies and perimeter security.

Neighborhood in mourning

By Thursday evening, a makeshift memorial of flowers, Cubs caps, and cans of cat food had formed near the intersection of Addison and Sheffield. Longtime rooftop owner Denise Kowalski wiped away tears as she spoke with neighbors.

“Roofus wasn’t just a stray. He was part of game day. Kids knew him. Ushers knew him. You don’t throw a living thing off Wrigley Field. That’s not Chicago.”

— Denise Kowalski, rooftop operator

Animal welfare groups, including the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago, called for anyone with video to come forward and urged prosecutors to pursue felony charges if evidence supports them. Under Illinois law, aggravated cruelty to animals can carry significant penalties.

No arrests had been made as of 1 a.m. Friday. Police asked anyone with information or video to contact CPD tip lines or Crime Stoppers of Chicago. The Cubs said they would release further information only as the investigation allows.

A candlelight gathering is planned for Saturday night outside Gate D, organizers said, “to remember Roofus and demand answers.”