Michael Sumler, Longtime Kool & the Gang Member, Dies at 71 in Car Accident

Michael Sumler, a long-serving member and backing vocalist of the iconic band Kool & the Gang, tragically died in a car accident near Mableton, north of Atlanta, on Sunday night at the age of 71. According to local authorities and news reports, Sumler was driving when his vehicle was involved in a collision on Veterans Memorial Highway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Sumler, affectionately known as ‘Chicago Mike,’ was remembered by Mableton’s mayor, Michael Owens, as a music legend whose loss is deeply felt by the community, his friends, and fans. From 2000 to 2015, Sumler played a significant role with Kool & the Gang, not only as a wardrobe valet ensuring the band’s on-stage presence but also energizing audiences with his dance moves and enthusiasm. The band expressed their sorrow and shared fond memories of Sumler, highlighting his positive impact both backstage and on stage. Friends described him as someone who always supported others in the music industry. Kool & the Gang, formed in the 1960s, are celebrated for their influence across multiple genres and have sold over 70 million albums worldwide, earning numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards. Sumler’s passing marks a significant loss for the band and the broader music community.