Michael Sumler, a long-time member of the legendary R&B and funk band Kool & the Gang, died. He was 71.
Sumler, who had previously worked as the band’s wardrobe valet before joining as a backing vocalist and onstage performer, was killed in a car accident in Mableton, Georgia, on May 25, according to the Cobb County Police Department. The Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office pronounced him dead, Fox News Digital learned.
The fatal collision happened on Veterans Memorial Highway, west of Buckner Road. According to police, the car crash occurred around 11:35 p.m.
Sumler collided with Khary Weaver, a 33-year-old driver, police said in a press release. Weaver was not injured in the collision.
Police are still investigating the car crash.
Sumler’s death prompted a heartfelt tribute from Kool & the Gang’s representative to Fox News Digital.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Sumler, our longtime wardrobe valet. Mike worked with Kool & the Gang from 2000 to 2015, ensuring the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also energized the audience with his energy and dance moves at the start of the show,” according to the statement.
Most recently, Mike assisted Kool with LeKool champagne events. Everyone at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him. “May he rest peacefully.”
Sumler died one year after the iconic R&B, funk, and soul band, known for hits like “Celebration” and “Jungle Boogie,” celebrated their 60th anniversary.
In March 2024, Kool & the Gang’s Robert “Kool” Bell marveled at the group’s ability to tour and create new music after six decades.
“It’s been a blessing this year as we celebrated 60 years [since] our first record came out,” Bell told Fox News Digital.
“The band began as a jazz band in 1964. And, of course, The Soul Town Band, Kool and the Flames.”
Bell, his brother Ronald Bell, and their New Jersey high school friends Ricky Westfield, George Brown, Spike Mickens, Dennis Thomas, and Charles Smith formed Kool & the Gang, which featured the original lineup.
The Jazziacs began as a jazz and soul band, but later changed their names to The Soul Town Band and Kool & the Flames.
After deciding on the name Kool & the Gang, the band signed a recording contract with Redd’s independent label De-Lite Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1970.
Kool & the Gang has released 25 studio albums to date, the most recent being 2021’s “Perfect Union.” The band has won two Grammy Awards and sold more than 70 million albums worldwide.