Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the retired pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, has announced he was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The 75-year-old shared the news in an exclusive interview with People magazine, revealing symptoms such as memory lapses and sleep disturbances.
Sullenberger, who retired in 2010, emphasized that his diagnosis is in its early stages and that he remains optimistic. "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," he said. "But I am in the beginning of this long journey."
He also highlighted the prevalence of Alzheimer’s, noting that it affects millions worldwide. "This disease spares no age group and impacts millions of people around the world," he stated. Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, expressed support, calling him a steady presence throughout the diagnosis.
The pilot, who became a national hero after the 2009 incident, has been an advocate for aviation safety and now plans to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s. He hopes his announcement will encourage others to speak openly about the disease.
Sullenberger’s diagnosis comes as he continues to reflect on his legacy. He previously served as an on-air expert for CBS News and was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2016 film "Sully," which dramatized the Hudson River landing.