Kool & the Gang member Michael Sumler died Sunday in a car accident at age 71, the Grammy-winning R&B band said Thursday.

“We’re deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our longtime wardrobe valet, Mike Sumler,” the band told the New York Post in a statement. “Mike worked alongside Kool & the Gang from 2004-2015, making sure the guys looked their best on stage every night.”

Sumler initially joined the band as a stylist, but he soon took on a more prominent role by contributing background vocals and performing onstage.

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