US hero pilot Sully Sullenberger announces Alzheimer's diagnosis

US pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, who saved 155 people by making an emergency landing on the Hudson River, announced he has Alzheimer's disease. Sullenberger said he is in the early stages of the disease and will speak out to raise awareness.

Scraper SystemJuly 15, 2026, 09:45 AM

US hero pilot Sully Sullenberger announces Alzheimer's diagnosis

US pilot Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, who saved 155 lives in 2009 by successfully landing US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in what became known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson,' announced he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Sullenberger said he is in the early stages of the disease.

Speaking to People magazine, the 75-year-old Sullenberger said the official diagnosis was made in August 2025. 'It's early stage,' Sullenberger said. 'For now, it means I can't easily recall a name, I forget a story I recently told, or I don't sleep as well as I used to. But I'm at the beginning of this long journey.'

His wife, Lorrie Sullenberger, told People that the diagnosis has not changed her husband's character. 'Just as he was the same calm person before and after Flight 1549, he is the same calm person before and after this diagnosis. That strength and determination guide us as a family,' she said. Lorrie Sullenberger added that despite the uncertainty of the future, they are continuing their lives, holding onto hope, and finding joy in daily life.

The plane's co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, said of his friend, 'Sully is larger than life even to me. He's someone I've always respected, and I think many others do too. I hope the disease progresses slowly and he can build a life he can be proud of going forward.'

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel recalled that Sullenberger was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the Miracle on the Hudson. Siegel noted, 'Age 75 is considered relatively late-onset. PTSD doubles the risk of Alzheimer's due to changes in brain chemistry and structure, as well as sleep disorders.'

Sullenberger said he will now channel his aviation safety advocacy into Alzheimer's awareness. 'This new phase of my life has made me question what it means to serve. The answer is to speak out. I hope other families living in the shadow of this disease will feel they can step forward too,' he said.

Recalling his wife Lorrie's words that 'right now we all need a little hope,' Sullenberger said that while the diagnosis affects his past memories, 'it won't stop me from looking to the future and appreciating it. I will get through this chapter with the support of my wonderful family.'

US hero pilot Sully Sullenberger announces Alzheimer's diagnosis