Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot celebrated for landing a commercial flight on the Hudson River, announced his diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease. On January 15, 2009, Sullenberger successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549, carrying 155 passengers, after a bird strike disabled both engines. This event is famously referred to as the “Miracle on the Hudson.”
In a recent statement, Sullenberger shared, “I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is early stage. This affects me by causing difficulty in remembering names, retelling stories, and changes in my sleep patterns. I am just beginning this journey.”
During a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game between the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets on May 26, 2025, in New York, Sullenberger discussed the disease further. He stated, “This disease, my doctor tells me, spares no age group and affects millions globally. It is the unwanted visitor at the door.”
Sullenberger’s miraculous landing was depicted by Tom Hanks in the 2016 film, “Sully.” Some of the passengers involved shared at the 10th anniversary that they felt Sullenberger was “guided by angels” in safely landing the plane.
“On that day, courage helped everyone band together to evacuate the plane successfully. Now, we need that courage to fight this disease. I am now part of a community, and we will face this courageously together,” Sullenberger remarked.
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that approximately 7.4 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, no cure exists for this illness.