Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the legendary R&B group Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Cobb County, Georgia. He was 71 years old.
The Cobb County Police Department confirmed that Sumler was involved in a head-on collision on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road at approximately 11:35 p.m. The musician, known to fans as “Chicago Mike,” was driving when his vehicle collided with another car. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
Sumler had performed at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton, Georgia, as part of “An Evening of Funk With Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun, and Rose Royce” prior to the crash.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens mourned Sumler’s passing in a Facebook post, stating that the Memorial Day weekend had brought the loss of a music legend. Owens indicated that Sumler had contributed significantly to the music and entertainment communities, adding that his style and energy had added flair and excitement to Kool & the Gang for decades. The mayor noted that the city of Mableton, City Council and he joined Sumler’s friends, family and fans in mourning his loss.
The Grammy-winning band confirmed news of Sumler’s death in a statement to media outlets. The group expressed deep sadness about the passing of their longtime wardrobe valet, explaining that Sumler had worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004 to 2015, ensuring the band looked their best on stage every night. The statement noted that he also energized crowds with his energy and dance moves at the top of shows. Most recently, Sumler had helped Kool with LeKool champagne events.
Sumler joined the iconic group in 1985, two decades after its formation in New Jersey in 1964. He initially came to the band’s attention through a member of their security team. During a 2018 appearance on the Georgia-based Kelly Talk Show, Sumler explained that he had a local band from Chicago called Power Pac. One of Kool & the Gang’s security personnel saw their performance at a club in Chicago, and they became friends. The security guard subsequently invited Sumler to meet the R&B group in Minneapolis.
Starting as a stylist and choreographer for the group, Sumler’s role expanded when band members recognized his other talents. He transitioned into providing background vocals and became the group’s opening act, energizing audiences before the main performance. Sumler described how he began with dance moves on stage as the opening for the band, then evolved into background singing and working the entire show while creating additional choreography for the group.
Friends and colleagues in the music industry expressed devastation at Sumler’s death. Adrian Meeks of Song Source Music Group described the loss as a devastating blow, noting that Sumler had always wanted to see other people succeed in the business he had been involved with throughout his life. Meeks characterized Sumler as a bridge between inspiring artists, songwriters, producers and musicians and the legends of the industry.
Greg Williams of Switch Entertainment described Sumler as the hype man who got audiences energized. Colleagues remembered him as consistently jovial, kind and concerned about ensuring everyone around him was doing well. Williams characterized Sumler as someone who exemplified how people should act, describing him as kind, thoughtful, intelligent, articulate and 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. His influence extended well beyond his stage performances with the legendary group.
Kool & the Gang, known for hits including “Celebration,” “Get Down on It,” “Ladies’ Night,” “Jungle Boogie” and “Funky Stuff,” has undergone numerous personnel changes throughout its history. The group has explored various musical styles including jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, disco, rock and pop music since releasing their first album in 1969.
The band has won two Grammy Awards and seven American Music Awards, selling more than 70 million albums worldwide. They received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015 and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. The Hall of Fame citation noted their role as essential innovators in the sound of funk, soul, disco and R&B, creating rock and roll’s most danceable anthems.
Con Funk Shun, which had performed with Sumler on the night of the crash, mourned his passing on social media. The group expressed that they had no idea Sunday night’s performance would be his last, sending condolences to Sumler’s family and thanking him for his support over the years.
Robert “Kool” Bell remains the only surviving founding member of Kool & the Gang and continues to lead the group with newer musicians. Friends indicated they were waiting to hear from Sumler’s family, many of whom live in Chicago, before making memorial arrangements.
