MABLETON, Ga. — Michael Sumler, a longtime member of the iconic funk band Kool & the Gang, died Sunday night in a crash on Veterans Memorial Highway in Cobb County. He was 71.

Known to fans as “Chicago Mike,” Sumler was driving a black 2014 Nissan 370Z around 11:35 p.m. when the car crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a 2025 Kia Sorento near Buckner Road, according to the Cobb County Police Department.

Sumler died at the scene. The other driver was not hurt, police said.

RELATED: Driver killed in crash along Veterans Memorial Highway, Cobb Police say

Sumler’s vibrant energy helped shape Kool & the Gang’s sound for decades as the group's hype man and background vocalist. The band’s music — a blend of funk, jazz, and soul — produced hits like “Celebration,” “Jungl

See Full Page