Michael Sumler alias Chicago Mike: Kool-&-The-Gang member dies in the event of an accident

The band Kool & The Gang mourns the meaning of one of her most dazzling characters: Michael Sumler, better known as “Chicago Mike”, is dead. He died last weekend in a serious car accident in Georgia. Sumler turned 71.

According to the report, the accident occurred on Sunday evening, May 25th, on the Veterans Memorial Highway in Mablleton. Sumler, who was sitting at the wheel of his own car, collided with another vehicle. Rescue workers could no longer help the band member – he died at the scene of the accident. The exact circumstances are still the subject of police investigations.

The band confirmed Sumler’s death in a statement “We are deeply sad about the death of our long -time cloakroom Mike Sumler,” the explanation says. “From 2004 to 2015, Mike worked alongside Kool & The Gang and ensured that the boys looked good on stage every evening.”

But Sumler was much more than just a stylist. The native Chicagoer delighted the audience with his rousing energy and its spectacular dance performances. Most recently, he helped the group’s champagne label to organize events for Lekool. “Everyone here at Kool & The Gang has good memories of Mike and will miss him. He may rest in peace,” continued the band.

Sumler’s path to Kool & The Gang started in the clubs in his hometown Chicago. From 2018 he told how everything started: When he performed with his band Power Pac, a security guard from Kool & The Gang discovered his energetic performance and invited him to meet the R&B legends in Minneapolis.

More quickly developed from this. Sumler started as a stylist and choreographer, but the band members recognized his potential. “As soon as they saw that I could do other things, they said: ‘We need you on stage’,” he recalled. So he became an integral part of the shows and also supported as a heating lizard and background singer.

Kool & The Gang was founded in New Jersey in 1964 and shaped whole generations with hits like “Celebration”, “Get Down on It”, “Ladies’ Night” and “Jungle Boogie”. The band won two Grammy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2015. In 2024 they were included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.