Captain Sully Sullenberger Announces Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Vows Courageous Fight

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the legendary pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, saving all 155 passengers and crew, has revealed he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. In a heartfelt statement posted on his website, the 75-year-old pilot shared that he has begun treatment and is already noticing memory changes, such as difficulty recalling names and recent stories. Despite this, he emphasized that this is just the beginning of a long journey and pledged to face the illness with courage.

Sullenberger explained that his decision to publicly disclose his diagnosis was motivated by a desire to help others affected by the disease. He reflected on the meaning of service and expressed hope that by sharing his story, other families living with Alzheimer’s might feel empowered to come forward. He reiterated a message he has long championed: "Courage can be contagious," recalling how that courage united everyone during the Hudson River landing and now is needed to battle Alzheimer’s.

He stated that although the disease may affect his past memories, it will not define his future or diminish his appreciation for life. He will confront this chapter with the support of his family and the broader community of those facing Alzheimer’s.

Sullenberger became a global hero on January 15, 2009, when his Airbus A320 lost both engines after striking a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York. His emergency water landing on the Hudson River was hailed as an extraordinary feat of airmanship under life-threatening conditions. The event inspired the 2016 film "Sully," directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks.

Since then, Sullenberger has been a prominent advocate for aviation safety, promoting pilot training improvements, crew rest requirements, and technological safety enhancements. He testified before the U.S. Congress in 2019 supporting simulator training for Boeing 737 MAX pilots and briefly served as the U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization in 2022, warning against reducing pilot training standards that could compromise safety.