Pilot known for 'Miracle on the Hudson' river plane landing reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

[erronis]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/14/sully-sullenberger-alzheimers-diagnosis

Chesley Sullenberger, 75, safely landed a US Airways flight carrying 155 people in New York’s Hudson river in 2009

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger - the pilot known for the "Miracle on the Hudson" after safely landing a US Airways flight in New York City's Hudson river during a 2009 emergency - announced on Tuesday that he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

"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," Sullenberger, 75, said in a statement. "This new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service. And the answer is to speak up. It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward."

. . .

Sullenberger, who served in the US air force, was flying US Airways flight 1549 from New York City's LaGuardia airport to Charlotte, North Carolina, on 15 January 2009 with 150 passengers and five crew members on board.

Shortly after takeoff, the plane hit a flock of birds causing complete loss of thrust in both engines. Sullenberger determined the plane could not return to LaGuardia and instead pulled off an emergency landing in the Hudson river. Everyone on board survived.

. . .

"Over the years, when people would ask about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I would say that 'courage can be contagious,' and on that day it helped everyone band together to get everyone off that airplane successfully," he said in his statement on Tuesday.

"Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together."

[hlthe2b]

1. Oh, I am so very sorry to hear this. Wishing you the best, America's hero!

[Grim Chieftain]

2. Oh no! Bless his heart

This gentle man and hero did not deserve this! What a horrible, wretched fate. Damn!

[pdxflyboy]

3. Healing energy to you, Sully.

Hang in there, my Brother.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Oh, my. Sully is a true hero.

[malaise]

5. Too sad

Fight on brother

[hamsterjill]

6. Gut punch.

Why is it always the good ones, and the bad asses just keep shittin' their diapers and making the world miserable.

Wishing Captain Sully all the very best that there is to offer. He is a true hero.

[MustLoveBeagles]

7. Sad news 😔

I wish him all the best in his journey.

[Abolishinist]

8. So sad to hear... these things almost always happen to the wrong person.

We were at a conference a long time ago, I'd say around 15 years. Al Gore was scheduled to be the keynote speaker.

For whatever reason he had to cancel, and Sullenberger took his place. Although I was dissapointed at first, I was really looking forward to hearing/seeing Gore, once Chesley took the podium I forgot about that. He was fantastic, very sincere and unassuming.

[erronis]

23. A wonderful memory to have. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[LoisB]

9. I am sorry to hear this. At some point, he will forget that he is a hero. I hope

those he saved will not forget him.

[BlueWaveNeverEnd]

10. Sad. I hope those new drugs will be of help

[irisblue]

11. How very very sad to read this

[AllaN01Bear]

12. krum.

[littlemissmartypants]

13. ❣️

[Devilsun]

14. What an incredible human being!!!

[relogic]

15. Horrible disease

that robs us of good people and the too few precious years we’re given.

[BurnDoubt]

16. Sad to Hear.

And yet… Still A Hero!

[SpankMe]

17. Courageous of Sully to be so open about this personal medical issue

Meanwhile, we can't get the scoop on McConnell. His staff and Republican handlers are at the opposite end of the courage spectrum from Capt. Sully.

[Bumbles]

18. He's showing once again why he was able to save everyone on board the US Airways flight.

He was courageous and a leader. He's still being of service with his courage and by speaking up, leading by example.

[Joinfortmill]

19. Oh, damn

[GiqueCee]

20. It always...

... breaks my heart when people younger than me are stricken with any form of dementia, but especially someone as heroic as Sully Sullenberger.
I recall that the FAA put him through the wringer following the incident, rather than commending him for his courage and skill. He was finally vindicated, but people he thought would have his back betrayed him.
I have a neighbor 20+ years my junior who has been overwhelmed by early-onset dementia. We're not close – he was hard-core MAGA – but I still feel badly for him.
My father succumbed to it at 89; just a hollow shell at the end. I don't relish the thought of a similar fate in 10 years.

[SupportSanity]

21. So sorry to hear the diagnosis. Even the most amazing people

aren't immune from this disease.

Good luck, Sully!!!

[Lulu KC]

22. Love that guy

Sorry to hear it.

[area51]

24. The drs should give Sully the same expensive drugs

#PEDOnald is getting for "compassionate use".

[electric_blue68]

25. Awww, no especially because 1) I'm an NYC'r 2)....

Ans because he made the turn over the Inwood neighborhood, in northernmost Manhattan where my relatives live.

TY Sulley for your heroic actions!
May you get the best drugs available and any good breakthroughs.

[SheltieLover]

26. Healing vibes to you, Sully!

[MerryBlooms]

27. A hero to the end. Thank you, sir! 🫡

[Liberal In Texas]

28. What sad news.

This man did not deserve this.

I'm glad he got his museum up and running before his diagnosis.



https://www.sullenbergeraviation.org/