Michael Sumler, who spent years working with the venerable soul-funk group Kool & the Gang as both an onstage hype man and a behind-the-scenes stylist, died Sunday in a car crash in Georgia.

Michael Sumler, Kool & the Gang's longtime hype man known as 'Chicago Mike,' has died in a car crash at 71.

Michael “Chicago Mike” Sumler, a former member of legendary music group Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash in Mableton. He was 71 years old.

Mike Sumler, hype man and later member of Kool & the Gang, died in a car crash over Memorial Day Weekend. He was 71.

Here’s what you need to know Kool and the Gang have been making people get up and dance for decades at weddings, after parties, graduation ceremonies, and sold-out stadium concerts.

Kool & the Gang's Michael 'Chicago Mike' Sumler dies at 71 As the group’s stylist, Mr. Sumler kept tabs on the group’s wardrobe. He also hyped up crowds with dance moves and sang backup.

Kool & the Gang member Michael Sumler has died in a car crash in Mableton, Georgia. "Chicago Mike," who became part of the R&B band in 1985, was 71.

"Chicago Mike" became part of the R&B group in 1985 Michael Sumler of Kool & the Gang has died. He was 71 years old. The band confirmed his death with a statement, saying that "Chicago Mike" made ...

Michael Sumler, a member of the iconic R&B band Kool & the Gang, tragically died at the age of 71 in a car accident.

Michael Sumler, who worked alongside funk legends Kool & the Gang as their band's hypeman and was known as "Chicago Mike," died at age 71.

Michael Sumler, a beloved member of Kool & the Gang, died at the age of 71 in a fatal car crash. Sumler worked with the band's wardrobe department before joining the band.

Kool & the Gang's Michael Sumler was killed in a car crash just outside Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, local media reported.