Michael Sumler, who worked alongside funk legends Kool & the Gang as their hype man and was known as “Chicago Mike,” died in a car crash on Sunday in Georgia. He was 71.

Local Atlanta television station 11Alive reported that Sumler was traveling on Veterans Memorial Highway in Cobb County when he collided with another vehicle. The group confirmed Sumler’s death in a statement shared to social media.

“We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” wrote Kool & the Gang. “Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2000-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night. He also hyped the crowd with his energy and dance moves at the show.”

Sumler had performed Sunday evening in Mableton with the group Con Funk Shun, whose fr

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