Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler, the beloved hype man of Kool & the Gang, was tragically killed in a head-on car crash at age 71, marking a heartbreaking end to the vibrant performer’s decades-long journey with the iconic band and leaving fans mourning the loss of his unforgettable energy and spirit.

Fans of funk, soul, and timeless celebration anthems are mourning the loss of Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler, a longtime member of the iconic band Kool & the Gang, who died in a car crash on May 25, 2025, at the age of 71.

The accident occurred late at night on Veterans Memorial Highway in Mableton, Georgia, where Sumler’s vehicle collided head-on with another car.

Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver escaped unharmed. The sudden and violent nature of his passing has left those close to him and fans around the world shocked and heartbroken.

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Michael Sumler’s journey to the stage wasn’t conventional. Born in Chicago, he was a man of many talents—dancer, stylist, performer—and above all, a presence.

He didn’t start out as a singer with Kool & the Gang. In fact, he first joined the group in 1985 not with a mic in hand, but as a wardrobe stylist and choreographer.

He had been spotted by one of the band’s security guards and invited into their inner circle during a time when the band was riding the success of hits like “Cherish” and “Fresh.” Sumler’s energy, flamboyant fashion sense, and gift for performance quickly elevated his role.

Before long, he became the group’s charismatic hype man—known to fans as “Chicago Mike”—and an indispensable part of the Kool & the Gang live experience.

Sumler’s impact wasn’t merely aesthetic. He helped shape the band’s visual identity and stage dynamics during a period when live performance was becoming increasingly central to an artist’s brand.

His work behind the scenes as a wardrobe valet from 2004 to 2015 helped define the polished yet vibrant image the band projected, while his live contributions added a layer of interactive electricity that kept audiences on their feet.

He was a natural performer—dancing, singing, and commanding the crowd’s attention with a vivacity that complemented the group’s musical prowess.

Although Sumler wasn’t an original member, his legacy is deeply intertwined with Kool & the Gang’s enduring appeal. The group, formed in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964, carved out a unique space in the music industry by blending jazz, soul, funk, and disco.

Their breakout success came in the 1970s with songs like “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging,” but it was in the 1980s that they achieved massive crossover appeal with upbeat, feel-good anthems like “Celebration” and “Ladies’ Night.”

These songs became global hits and have since remained staples at weddings, sporting events, and New Year’s Eve parties.

For decades, Sumler traveled the world with Kool & the Gang, appearing on stages from Las Vegas to London.

Fans recognized him not only for his dynamic stage presence but also for his signature outfits, radiant smile, and his signature call-and-response chants that energized crowds before the band even played a single note.

His role might not have been front and center in every music video or album cover, but for fans who saw Kool & the Gang live, “Chicago Mike” was unforgettable.

The timing of Sumler’s death adds to its poignancy. Kool & the Gang had only recently been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024—a long-overdue recognition of their influence across genres and decades.

The band has seen many of its founding members pass away in recent years. Saxophonist Dennis “D.T.” Thomas died in 2021, and drummer George “Funky” Brown died in 2023.

Now, with the death of Sumler, another integral part of the group’s long history is gone. Robert “Kool” Bell, the band’s founder and bassist, remains the last original member still performing.

The accident in which Sumler lost his life remains under investigation, but officials have confirmed that no drugs or alcohol were involved.

It appears to have been a tragic case of a late-night misjudgment on the road. Friends, colleagues, and fans have taken to social media to share memories and tributes.

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens released a statement honoring Sumler’s contributions to music and his cultural influence, noting how his energy and presence had uplifted generations of music lovers.

Just weeks before his death, Sumler had performed at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, a venue he frequented and where he was much beloved by local fans.

He had also remained active in promoting the band’s lifestyle brand ventures, including Le Kool Champagne, and regularly participated in charitable events that brought music and mentorship to young performers.

Sumler’s passing serves as a sobering reminder of the many unsung heroes behind music’s most iconic acts.

While lead singers and founding members often get the spotlight, it is figures like “Chicago Mike” who carry the spirit of the band through live performance and fan interaction, ensuring that every show becomes a celebration in more ways than one.

His story is one of reinvention, dedication, and heart—a story that resonates far beyond the stage lights.

For many, Sumler’s voice won’t be remembered on the radio but in the echo of a live crowd cheering, the rhythm of a dance floor erupting with joy, and the sight of a man who made it his life’s mission to make others feel alive. That, in many ways, is the greatest legacy a performer can leave.