MABLETON, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A crash in Cobb County over the weekend claimed the life of a member of a legendary soul group.

According to police, 71-year-old Michael Sumler of Chicago, was killed on Sunday, May 25 in Mableton. He is best known as “Chicago Mike,” the hype man for R&B/soul group Kool & the Gang.

Police say it happened on Veterans Memorial Highway, west of Buckner Road, at around 11:35 p.m., when Sumler’s car was struck entering the intersection in the path of another vehicle.

Sumler was pronounced dead at the scene by the Cobb County Medical Examiner’s Office. The driver of the other car was not injured, according to police.

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens issued a statement, sending condolences to Sumler’s loved ones following the tragic accident.

“We are saddened by the death of musician Mike Sumler,” Owens said. “’Chicago Mike’ contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities. His style and energy added flare and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The City of Mableton and I join his friends, family and fans in mourning his loss.”

According to several social media posts, Sumler was performing at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre earlier that night as part of the “Evening of Funk with Midnight Star | Confunkshun Rose Royce.”

Tributes were pouring in on social media for the beloved musician.

“On Sunday night we had the joy of spending time with him at our ConFunkShun concert—laughing, dancing, talking, and enjoying the kind of genuine connection that made Mike so special,“ one post read. ”His warmth, talent, and spirit lit up every room he entered."

Kool and the Gang were recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024. They were set to embark on an international summer tour next month.

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