Kool & The Gang’s Michael Sumler: The Georgia Crash Shocker That’s Sending Shockwaves Through the Music and Zodiac World!
Added on May 30, 2025 inEntertainment News Cards
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So here’s a cosmic kicker for you: Michael Sumler, known to many as “Chicago Mike,” the indefatigable hype man and stylist behind Kool & the Gang’s smooth grooves and slick moves, passed away in a tragic head-on collision in Mableton, Georgia, at age 71. Now, if you’re wondering how the stars might’ve conspired to jolt the funk world this way, consider this — late May, with Mercury retrograde flirting unexpectedly with Cancer’s sensitive vibes — it’s the kind of celestial mix that’s bound to shake things up emotionally and, well, quite literally off the beaten path. Mike wasn’t just wardrobe valet; he was the electric pulse in the show’s veins, the dancefloor’s hype engine from 1985 onward, ensuring every night sparkled with that unmistakable energy. His sudden death, right after a vibrant gig with funk legends, underscores just how fleeting the groove of life can be — a reminder that behind the spotlight’s glimmer, real people with real stories move the beat forward. Ready to dive deeper into this tribute to a man whose style and spirit never quit? LEARN MORE.
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.
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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