Kool & the Gang’s ‘Chicago Mike’ dies in Georgia traffic accident
MABLETON, Ga. - A crash in Cobb County over the weekend claimed the life of a member of a legendary soul group.
According to police, 71-year-old Michael Sumler of Chicago, was killed Sunday in Mableton. He is best known as “Chicago Mike,” the hype man and wardrobe valet for R&B/soul group Kool & the Gang.
Police say it happened on Veterans Memorial Highway, west of Buckner Road, at around 11:35 p.m., when Sumler’s car was struck entering the intersection in the path of another vehicle.
Driver arrested in crash that killed 23-year-old on Deans Bridge Road
An Augusta man has been arrested in connection to a crash that killed a 23-year-old earlier this week, according to officials.
Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the other car was not injured, according to police.
Sumler was the band’s wardrobe valet from 2000-2015. He would also hype the crowd up with his dance moves at the top of their shows. Most recently, the band said he helped Kool with LeKool champagne events.
“Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him,” the band wrote on Facebook. “May he rest in peace.”
Second brother dies days after fiery traffic accident in Aiken County
On May 15, a 16-year-old died after a crash that followed a police chase in Aiken County. Now his 21-year-old brother is dead, too.
Mableton Mayor Michael Owens issued a statement, sending condolences to Sumler’s loved ones following the tragic accident.
“We are saddened by the death of musician Mike Sumler,” Owens said. “‘Chicago Mike’ contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities. His style and energy added flare and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The City of Mableton and I his friends, family and fans in mourning his loss.”
According to several social media posts, Sumler was performing at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre earlier that night as part of the “Evening of Funk with Midnight Star | Confunkshun Rose Royce.”
Tributes were pouring in on social media for the beloved musician.
19 traffic deaths reported across S.C., Ga. over Memorial Day weekend
Authorities across both sides of the two-state region urged drivers to be careful on the road as travelers returned from Memorial Day weekend.
“On Sunday night we had the joy of spending time with him at our ConFunkShun concert—laughing, dancing, talking, and enjoying the kind of genuine connection that made Mike so special,” one post read. “His warmth, talent, and spirit lit up every room he entered.”
Kool and the Gang were recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. They were set to embark on an international summer tour next month.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
