Capt. Chesley Sullenberger Reveals Alzheimer’s Diagnosis and Advocates for Awareness

Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, known for his heroic landing of a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. He shared this news on social media, stating it’s an early-stage diagnosis. “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 explained. His message was initially disclosed to People magazine.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory and cognitive skills, making it the leading cause of dementia. Unfortunately, no cure exists as of now. Sullenberger achieved fame when his decisive actions saved 155 people on US Airways Flight 1549 on January 15, 2009. After both engines of the plane failed due to a bird strike shortly after taking off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Sullenberger and his crew managed an emergency landing on the Hudson River within minutes, as revealed in a cockpit voice recorder transcript. All individuals on board were safely evacuated and rescued by first responders.

The event, dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson,” was dramatized in the 2016 film “Sully.” Sullenberger attended the premiere of “Brace for Impact” in New York City on January 5, 2010, commemorating the event. Sullenberger has since been a staunch advocate for aviation safety and served as an on-air expert for CBS News.

Since learning of his condition, Sullenberger has discovered the widespread nature of Alzheimer’s, affecting over 7 million Americans, as noted by the Alzheimer’s Association. By sharing his diagnosis, he aims to encourage others affected by the disease to be vocal. “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 stated. “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.”