Kool & the Gangs Michael Sumler dies in car crash at 71

Michael Sumler, a member of the iconic R&B band Kool & the Gang, tragically died at the age of 71 in a car accident.The Grammy-winning band confirmed the news of Sumler’s death on Thursday.“We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” the band told The Post in a statement.

“Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night.”After starting out as a stylist for the band, Sumler soon became involved in providing background vocals and joining the group onstage.“He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the top of the show.

Most recently, Mike helped Kool with LeKool champagne events,” they went on.“Everyone here at Kool & the Gang has fond memories of Mike and will miss him.

May he rest in peace.”Sumler, who was lovingly nicknamed “Chicago Mike,” died in a car crash in Cobb County, Ga., over Memorial Day Weekend.The 33-year-old driver of the other vehicle was not injured.Sumlar died on the scene after the vehicle he was driving had colluded with another car on May 25, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.Following his death, Mableton mayor Michael Owens paid a heartfelt tribute.“This Memorial Day weekend the world lost a music legend,” he said in a statement.

“Michael Sumler, known as ‘Chicago Mike’ of Kool and the Gang died in a crash Sunday night on Veterans Memorial Highway near Buckner Road.He was 71.”“The City of Mableton, City Council and I join his friends, family and fans in mourning his loss,” Owens added.Sumler joined the band after an introduction from a member of the group’s security team.“I had a local band out of Chicago called Power Pac,” Sumler told the Kelly Talk Show in 2018.

“One of the Kool and the Gang security guys caught our act in the club in Chicago and we became friends, and he decided… he said, ‘Hey, you’d like to meet my group?’ And I said ‘Sure.'”...