Kool & The Gang’s Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler Dies at 71 in Tragic Car Crash

MABLETON, Ga. — Michael Sumler, a beloved longtime member of the legendary funk, soul, and R&B band Kool & The Gang, died at the age of 71 following a fatal car crash in Cobb County, Georgia, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Known affectionately as “Chicago Mike,” Sumler was celebrated for his vibrant energy as the band’s hype man, stylist, choreographer, and backing vocalist over a career spanning more than three decades.

The accident occurred just before midnight on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road in Mableton, when Sumler’s vehicle, a Nissan 370Z, collided with a Kia Sorrento, according to the Cobb County Police Department. Authorities reported that Sumler’s car was struck as it entered the intersection in the path of the other vehicle. Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office, while the other driver was unharmed.

Kool & The Gang, formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964, confirmed Sumler’s passing in a statement shared with PEOPLE: “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler. Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004 to 2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also enthused the crowd with his energy and dance moves. Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace.”

Sumler joined the band in 1985 after being introduced by a member of the group’s security team. Initially brought on as a stylist and choreographer, his infectious energy led to a larger role on stage, where he became known for energizing crowds and providing backing vocals. In a 2018 appearance on the Georgia-based Kelly Talk Show, Sumler recounted how he met the band: “I had a local band out of Chicago called Power Pac. One of the Kool and the Gang security guys caught our act in the club in Chicago and we became friends, and he said, ‘Hey, you’d like to meet my group?’”

Beyond his contributions to Kool & The Gang, Sumler was a mentor to younger musicians, known for his kindness and dedication to helping others succeed in the music industry. “He was the hype guy out of the group, getting the audience going,” said Greg Williams of Switch Entertainment. Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group added, “He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most all of his life. He was a great guy. Consistent in that his spirit was always for uplifting others.”

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens mourned Sumler’s loss in a statement on Facebook, noting that the musician had performed at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre earlier that evening as part of “An Evening of Funk with Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun, and Rose Royce.” Owens wrote, “We are saddened by the death of musician Michael Sumler. ‘Chicago Mike’ contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities. His style and energy added flair and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The city of Mableton, council members, and I join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss.”

Tributes poured in from the music community and fans alike. Con Funk Shun founder Mike Cooper shared on social media, “We had no idea that Sunday night’s Love’s Train would be your last ride. Rest in heavenly peace.” Fans on X expressed their grief, with one writing, “RIP Michael ‘Chicago Mike’ Sumler. A true legend and the life of every stage he touched. Your voice, your energy, your spirit will never be forgotten.”

Kool & The Gang, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, is renowned for hits like “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Get Down on It,” and “Ladies’ Night.” The band has won two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and sold over 70 million albums worldwide. Sumler’s death marks another loss for the group, following the passing of founding members Ronald Bell in 2020 and Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas in 2021.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced, as Sumler’s family, many of whom reside in Chicago, are still making plans. The music world continues to honor Sumler’s legacy as a performer, mentor, and vibrant soul who brought joy to countless fans.

thumpmusic.com