Capt. Sully Sullenberger Opens Up About Alzheimer's Diagnosis

Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed a damaged commercial jet on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced that he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old former US Airways captain revealed the news in a statement, according to multiple outlets including CBSNews and The Guardian.

2 sources

CBSNews"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosisThe GuardianPilot known for ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ river plane landing reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis

The announcement adds a personal health chapter to a career defined by one of aviation’s most famous emergency landings. On Jan. 15, 2009, Sullenberger guided US Airways Flight 1549 into the Hudson River after a bird strike destroyed both engines, saving all 155 people on board. Parade Magazine noted that the event earned him the nickname “Miracle on the Hudson” hero.

Parade Magazine'Miracle on the Hudson' Hero Capt. Sully Shares Heartbreaking Health News

“For now, this means a name may not come easily to me, I forget a story I have recently told, or I don’t sleep as well, but I am in the beginning of this long journey.”

The Guardian reported that Sullenberger described the diagnosis as a “new phase” of his life. He said it has challenged his understanding of what it means to be of service, adding, “And the answer is to speak up.” His openness about the condition comes at a time when Alzheimer’s affects a significant portion of the older population. NewsNation reported that around 7.2 million Americans who are 65 years old and older have Alzheimer’s.

NewsNationCapt. Sully, pilot who landed plane in Hudson River, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

Sullenberger’s statement, as covered by KTSM 9 News, WSYR, and others, did not provide a specific timeline for his diagnosis but emphasized his commitment to raising awareness. pix11.com noted that the story originally aired in 2019, suggesting that the pilot has been dealing with the disease privately for some time before choosing to go public now.

3 sources

KTSM 9 NewsCapt. 'Sully' Sullenberger, 'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot, reveals Alzheimer's diagnosispix11.comCapt. 'Sully' Sullenberger, 'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot, reveals Alzheimer's diagnosisWSYRCapt. 'Sully' Sullenberger, 'Miracle on the Hudson' pilot, reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

By sharing his diagnosis, Sullenberger joins a growing number of public figures speaking candidly about cognitive decline. His words, as quoted by The Guardian, reflect a determination to remain engaged: “It is my hope t” (the full quote was cut off in the source). Even in this challenging phase, the pilot who once kept his composure in a crisis appears committed to using his voice for a different kind of service.