Pilot who landed plane on Hudson River announces Alzheimer's diagnosis

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger announced on July 14, 2026 that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The former airline pilot and U.S. Air Force officer is 75 years old. He shared the news through a statement on his personal website. He described early symptoms such as trouble remembering names, forgetting stories he had recently told, and difficulty sleeping. Sullenberger said he decided to speak publicly because he wants other families dealing with Alzheimer's to feel able to come forward. His wife Lorrie has been by his side for 37 years. Sullenberger became famous in 2009 when he safely landed a passenger plane on the Hudson River after both engines failed, saving all 155 people on board.