Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, the celebrated pilot who executed the emergency landing now known as the “Miracle on the Hudson,” has disclosed his early-stage Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The 75-year-old aviator announced the development on his personal website, noting that while the condition currently causes occasional memory lapses and disrupted sleep, he remains in the early phases of his journey with the disease.
“This diagnosis has reshaped my sense of purpose, and I’ve come to believe that advocacy—speaking openly about Alzheimer’s—is how I can continue to serve,” he wrote.
On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 lost both engines after striking geese moments after departing LaGuardia Airport, forcing Sullenberger to glide the aircraft into the Hudson River. All 155 passengers and crew aboard survived, a feat attributed to his expertise and composure under pressure.
His calm decision-making during the crisis became a defining moment in aviation history, earning widespread recognition and admiration.
Sullenberger, a former U.S. Air Force pilot from California, emphasized his commitment to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s, framing the diagnosis as a call to action rather than a setback.
