Band member from Kool & The Gang perished in an unfortunate incident - Sadly, a member of the popular band Kool & the Gang has passed away in a tragic accident.
Kool & the Gang mourns the tragic passing of Michael Sumler, affectionately known as "Chicago Mike," who was a cherished member of the band. Sumler, aged 71, died in a car accident over the Memorial Day weekend in Cobb County, Georgia, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
On Sunday, May 25, the fatal collision occurred on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road in Mableton. Sumler, who was driving his own vehicle, was involved in a crash with another car. Emergency services attempts to save him were unsuccessful and Sumler passed away at the scene. The precise details surrounding the accident are still under investigation by local authorities.
The band shared their heartfelt condolences in a statement to People magazine. "We are profoundly saddened by the loss of our long-time wardrobe manager, Mike Sumler," states the band. Sumler worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004 to 2015, ensuring the band members maintained a polished appearance on stage every night. Beyond his role as a stylist, Sumler captivated audiences with his contagious energy and dynamic dance moves.
Born in Chicago, Sumler's ties to Kool & the Gang began in the city's club scene. In an interview on the Kelly Talk Show in 2018, Sumler recalled his serendipitous encounter with the legendary R&B group. While performing with his band Power Pac, a security guard from Kool & the Gang took notice of Sumler's lively performances and invited him to meet the band members in Minneapolis. This opportunity evolved into a long-term association with Kool & the Gang, first as a stylist and choreographer, and later as a permanent presence at their shows.
Kool & the Gang, founded in 1964 in New Jersey, gained widespread influence and popularity with hits like "Celebration," "Get Down on It," "Ladies' Night," and "Jungle Boogie." The band received two Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. Sumler's infectious spirit and mentorship of younger musicians will be deeply missed within the community and by the band's members.
Entertainment news outlets reported the tragic demise of Michael Sumler, known as Chicago Mike, a long-time wardrobe manager for Kool & the Gang, on May 25 in a car accident in Georgia. The accident occurred on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road in Mableton, resulting in Sumler's death at the scene. Celebrities, fellow musicians, and fans mourned the loss of the charismatic and energetic member who enamored audiences with his dance moves, marking a significant loss for the entertainment industry and Kool & the Gang, in particular.
