Former Hudson River Pilot Chesley Sullenberger Discloses Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Retired airline captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger announced he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s in August 2025, saying the condition has not altered his daily routine.
Retired airline captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger revealed that doctors diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease in August 2025 after he began experiencing memory lapses. In a statement he said the diagnosis means he sometimes struggles to recall names, recent stories, or experiences disrupted sleep, but he remains at the beginning of what he described as a long journey.
Sullenberger, 75, noted that he had not previously appreciated how common Alzheimer’s is among adults over 65, citing statistics from the Alzheimer’s Association that more than seven million people in that age group live with the disease. He added that the condition can affect individuals of any age.
His wife, Lorrie Sullenberger, said his demeanor has not changed since the diagnosis, emphasizing that he remains the same person who piloted Flight 1549 onto the Hudson River in 2009.
Sullenberger retired from commercial aviation in 2010 after the Hudson River landing, which saved all 155 passengers and crew. He is scheduled for induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in September.