Michael Sumler, beloved singer and hype man for the legendary funk-soul group Kool & the Gang, has died at the age of 71 following a devastating car crash near Atlanta.
Known affectionately as “Chicago Mike” and remembered by friends and fans alike as the life of the party, Sumler’s vibrant stage presence and unmistakable voice were core to the band’s magic for decades.
According to the Cobb County Police Department, Sumler was driving his black Nissan on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road on Saturday night when his car collided with another vehicle.
He was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. The other driver, a 33-year-old, escaped without injury.
BREAKING: Longtime hype man for Kool & The Gang since the early 1980’s, Michael Sumler, has passed away following a car accident.
Known for energizing crowds during the band’s iconic live shows.
Rest in peace to Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler ?️ pic.twitter.com/rh5VM4VZ1v
— StereoBuzz (@StereoBuzzX) May 28, 2025
As news of Sumler’s passing broke last night (May 28), Kool & the Gang released a heartfelt statement, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s death. Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. May he rest in peace.”
Sumler’s passing marks yet another painful loss for the iconic band. Over the years, Kool & the Gang has mourned the deaths of several key members: Keyboardist Rick West (1985), guitarist Charles Smith (2006), Trumpeter Robert “Spike” Mickens (2010), Trombonist Clifford Alanza Adams Jr.
Kool & the Gang – Fresh.
Álbum: Emergency. 1984 pic.twitter.com/3B7VLa9MYe
— Cina Gamboa (@gamboacina) May 20, 2025
Others include saxophonist Ronald “Khalis Bayyan” Bell (2020), Alto saxophonist Dennis “D.T.” Thomas (2021), and drummer George “Funky” Brown (2023).
Despite these losses, the band’s legacy endures, with two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, and an astonishing 31 gold and platinum albums under their belt.
They were proudly inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024.
Tributes for Sumler have been pouring in. Mableton Mayor Michael Owens praised the singer’s enormous impact on the local music scene, saying, “His style and energy added flair and excitement to Kool & the Gang for decades. The city of Mableton, council members, and I join his family, friends, and fans in mourning his loss.