Kool & the Gang’s Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler died in a car crash in Mableton, Georgia over Memorial Day Weekend.
Michael Sumler, the longtime hype man and stylist for Kool & the Gang, died early Sunday (May 25) in a head-on collision in Mableton, Georgia. He was 71.
The crash happened shortly after midnight on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road. Authorities confirmed Sumler’s vehicle struck another car head-on, Atlanta News First reports. The other driver was not injured. Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known to many as “Chicago Mike,” Sumler had been a part of Kool & the Gang’s extended family since 1985. He began as a stylist and choreographer before becoming a fixture onstage, hyping up crowds with his signature moves and energy for more than three decades.
Kool & the Gang Pay Tribute To Michael Sumler
The band issued a statement remembering their former colleague: “We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler. Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also enthused the crowd with his energy and dance moves.”
We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler. Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2000-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the
show.— Kool & the Gang (@KoolntheGngLIVE) May 29, 2025
Sumler had just performed at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre as part of “An Evening of Funk With Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun, and Rose Royce” before the fatal crash.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens reflected on Sumler’s impact, saying, “We are heartbroken by the loss 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 & The Gang for decades.”
Sumler is the latest member of Kool & the Gang to pass away, following the death of drummer George Brown in 2023. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Formed in 1969, Kool & the Gang is known for a string of R&B and pop hits, including “Celebration,” “Ladies’ Night,” “Get Down on It” and “Jungle Boogie.”
The band has earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards and more than 30 gold and platinum albums. Their music remains among the most sampled in Hip-Hop history.
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