Former Hudson River pilot Sully Sullenberger discloses early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, said he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement to People magazine, the 75-year-old former Air Force fighter pilot described recent memory lapses and sleep disturbances, noting the diagnosis was confirmed in August 2025. > "It is early stage. 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," he said. He credited Dr. Gil Rabinovici of UCSF Medical Center for informing him about the disease’s prevalence and described Alzheimer’s as "the unwanted visitor at the door." Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, said the diagnosis has not altered his steady demeanor, and former first officer Jeff Skiles called Sullenberger "larger than life" and expressed hope that the condition will progress slowly. Fox News medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that post-traumatic stress disorder, which Sullenberger was diagnosed with after the 2009 incident, can increase Alzheimer’s risk. Sullenberger said he plans to focus on advocacy, using his public profile to raise awareness and encourage families affected by the disease. He added that he will continue to look forward to the future with his family’s support.