"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis

Published: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 5:42 pm

"Miracle on the Hudson" Pilot Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger Diagnosed with Alzheimer's

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the celebrated pilot who successfully landed a commercial jet on the Hudson River in 2009, has publicly shared his diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer's disease. Sullenberger revealed the news in a social media post, which was first reported by People magazine.

In his statement, Sullenberger described the current impact of the disease, noting that it may affect his ability to recall names, lead to repetition of stories, and disrupt his sleep patterns. He characterized his diagnosis as the beginning of a "long journey." Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain condition that impairs memory and other cognitive functions, and it is the leading cause of dementia, with no known cure.

Sullenberger achieved national recognition for his decisive actions on January 15, 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549 experienced a dual engine failure shortly after departing from LaGuardia Airport, reportedly due to a bird strike. In a swift and critical decision-making process, Sullenberger and his crew determined that an airport landing was not feasible and executed an emergency water landing on the Hudson River. This remarkable feat, which saved all 155 individuals on board, became widely known as the "Miracle on the Hudson" and was later depicted in the 2016 film "Sully."

Following his heroic act, Sullenberger continued to be a prominent figure, serving as an aviation safety expert for CBS News and advocating for improvements in the field. His personal experience with Alzheimer's has led him to recognize the widespread nature of the disease, with the Alzheimer's Association reporting that over 7 million Americans are currently living with it.

Sullenberger expressed his hope that by sharing his diagnosis, he will encourage others affected by Alzheimer's to speak openly about their experiences. He drew a parallel to the "Miracle on the Hudson," stating that "courage can be contagious" and that it was that same spirit that enabled the successful evacuation of Flight 1549. He now calls for that courage to be applied in the fight against Alzheimer's, embracing his new role within a larger community facing the disease together.

BNN's Perspective:
Captain Sullenberger's announcement brings a deeply personal dimension to a disease that affects millions. His willingness to share his diagnosis, particularly given his public profile, serves as a powerful reminder of the human impact of Alzheimer's. While the news is undoubtedly challenging for him and his family, his call for collective courage and openness could foster greater understanding and support for those navigating this complex condition. It underscores the importance of continued research and public awareness efforts.

Tags: Chesley Sullenberger, Sully, Alzheimer's disease, Miracle on the Hudson, dementia, aviation safety, US Airways Flight 1549, early stage Alzheimer's, cognitive function, memory loss

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