Sully Sullenberger, hero of Hudson River landing, announces early-stage Alzheimer's diagnosis

Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, widely celebrated for his heroic ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. At 75 years old, he disclosed the diagnosis through a personal statement posted on his website, announcing he is now under treatment at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. Sully described initial symptoms such as difficulty recalling names, forgetting recent stories, and disrupted sleep patterns that have prompted his medical evaluation and diagnosis.

Sullenberger’s distinguished aviation career began in the U.S. Air Force before becoming a commercial pilot in 1980. His quick thinking and exceptional skill became internationally recognized after Flight 1549 encountered a dual engine failure following a bird strike shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. Instead of attempting to return to the airport, Sullenberger and first officer Jeffrey Skiles safely glided the Airbus A320 onto the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 passengers and crew aboard.

Following his retirement from active flying in 2010, Sullenberger maintained a prominent role as a lecturer and public speaker on topics related to aviation safety and leadership. His expertise also led to a brief tenure as the U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2022. Throughout these years, he remained an outspoken advocate for pilot training and aviation industry improvements.

The pilot’s calm demeanor during the crisis earned him widespread respect across the aviation community and the public. He received numerous honors including congressional resolutions, invitations to presidential ceremonies, and civic awards like the key to New York City. Beyond these accolades, Sullenberger's humility and reluctance to claim sole credit for the incident enhanced his reputation as a figure of courage and teamwork.

In his statement about the diagnosis, Sullenberger linked his call for courage during the Hudson landing to the challenge of confronting Alzheimer’s disease. He expressed a hope that by sharing his diagnosis publicly, other families affected by dementia might find support and strength to come forward from isolation. He emphasized that his condition, while impacting memory, will not diminish his capacity to appreciate life’s ongoing chapters alongside his family.

Sullenberger is navigating this new phase with openness, describing the diagnosis as part of a longer journey. His message reflected a commitment to remain of service by raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and inspiring others facing the disease to unite in courage and action. As a widely respected figure, his disclosure brings a personal face to a disease often shrouded in stigma and silence.

The aviation industry continues to honor the legacy of Flight 1549 as a textbook example of skillful emergency airmanship, often cited in pilot training and safety seminars worldwide. Sullenberger’s diagnosis highlights the human dimension beneath the aviation legend and adds poignancy to discussions on health challenges affecting veteran aviators.

Medical experts identify early-stage Alzheimer’s as a critical period for intervention to slow progression and maintain quality of life. UCSF Medical Center, where Sullenberger receives treatment, is a leading institution in neurological care and dementia research. His public discussion may contribute to broader public attention and potential support for Alzheimer’s research efforts.

Sullenberger’s announcement connects the fields of aviation heroism and public health, demonstrating the universal realities pilots face beyond their careers. His legacy now embodies both extraordinary skill in crisis and a brave, candid approach to confronting a deeply personal health struggle.