Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger Reveals Alzheimer's Diagnosis at 75

Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger III, the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The 75-year-old aviation hero made the revelation in an interview with People magazine and a statement on his website, saying he is in the early phase of a 'long journey.' Source: Infobae, El Colombiano

Diagnosis and Decision

Sullenberger said the diagnosis was made in August 2025 after he noticed lapses in his usually sharp memory. He described symptoms like forgetting names or stories and sleep changes, but stressed he remains hopeful. He and his family decided to go public to help others facing Alzheimer's. 'I hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease feel they can also step forward,' he said. Source: La Vanguardia, Excelsior MX

The 'Miracle on the Hudson'

Sullenberger shot to fame on January 15, 2009, when a US Airways Airbus A320 struck a flock of geese after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport, losing both engines. With 208 seconds to decide, he ditched the plane into the Hudson River, saving all 155 people aboard. The event, known as the 'Miracle on the Hudson,' was later depicted in the 2016 film Sully, starring Tom Hanks. Source: Clarín, Infobae

Reactions and Legacy

His former first officer Jeff Skiles said the diagnosis hasn't changed Sullenberger's character, while passenger Clay Presley described him as a man with more to achieve. His wife Lorrie noted his steady personality remains. Sullenberger continues to advocate for aviation safety and will be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in September. 'I have devoted my life to service,' he said. Source: Infobae EFE, People via Excelsior