Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the legendary funk and R&B group Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash on May 25, 2025, in Cobb County, Georgia. He was 71.
The collision occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Veterans Memorial Highway west of Buckner Road in Mableton, Georgia. Sumler was driving a Nissan 370Z when it collided with a Kia Sorento operated by 33-year-old Khary Weaver. Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office, while Weaver was not injured in the crash.
Known professionally as “Chicago Mike,” Sumler had performed earlier that evening at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton as part of an “Evening of Funk” concert featuring Con Funk Shun, Midnight Star and Rose Royce. The crash remains under investigation by the Cobb County Police Department.
Kool & the Gang confirmed Sumler’s death in an official statement, describing him as their longtime wardrobe valet who worked alongside the band from 2000 to 2015. The group noted that Sumler made sure the musicians looked their best on stage every night and hyped crowds with his energy and dance moves at the beginning of shows. Most recently, he had been helping with the band’s LeKool champagne events.
Sumler first joined Kool & the Gang in 1985 after connecting with the group through their security team. He had been performing with his own Chicago-based band called Power Pac when one of Kool & the Gang’s security personnel saw his act at a Chicago club and they became friends. This connection led to Sumler traveling to Minneapolis to meet the band at Prince’s soundstage.
Initially hired as a stylist-choreographer, Sumler’s role expanded when the band recognized his additional talents. During a 2018 appearance on the Georgia-based Kelly Talk Show, he explained how the group told him they needed him onstage after seeing his capabilities beyond wardrobe styling. He subsequently became the band’s opening act and hype man, later contributing background vocals and working throughout entire performances.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens released a statement mourning Sumler’s passing, noting that Chicago Mike contributed significantly to the music and entertainment communities. Owens indicated that Sumler’s style and energy added flair and excitement to Kool & the Gang for decades, with the city of Mableton, council members and mayor joining his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss.
Music industry colleagues praised Sumler’s character and influence. Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group described his death as devastating and characterized Sumler as always jovial, kind and concerned about ensuring everyone around him was well. Meeks noted that Sumler consistently wanted to see others succeed in the music business and served as a bridge between inspiring artists and established legends.
Greg Williams of Switch Entertainment described Sumler as the group’s hype man who energized audiences. Williams characterized him as “one of these people God put on a planet to teach people how to act” due to his kindness, thoughtfulness, intelligence, articulation and ability to be the life of the party.
Even in his 70s, Sumler remained active in the music scene, mentoring younger musicians and helping them navigate the industry. Colleagues noted his dedication to fostering success among emerging artists, songwriters, producers and musicians.
Kool & the Gang was formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Khalis Bell along with neighborhood friends. The group achieved significant commercial success with hits including “Celebration,” “Ladies Night,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Get Down on It” and “Cherish.” They have won two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015.
The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 after being eligible for three decades. The recognition proved bittersweet as three founding members – George Brown, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas and Ronald Bell – had died in the three years prior to the induction.
Sumler’s death occurred just one year after Kool & the Gang celebrated their 60th anniversary, continuing to tour and create new music. The group released their album “People Just Wanna Have Fun” in July 2023 and had been planning an international summer tour beginning in June 2025.