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.

Sumler first crossed paths with the legendary group in 1985 when he was performing with his own band, Power Pac.

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.