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Sullenberger Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer's Diagnosis
@ABC reported that Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger disclosed his Alzheimer's diagnosis in a website statement. The 75-year-old pilot of the 2009 Hudson River landing described early symptoms and his intent to keep advocating for aviation safety.
Jul 19, 7:46 PM·1m read1 source
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Capt. Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger disclosed that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. @ABC reported that the 75-year-old posted the statement to his website on July 14, 2026. "I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
It is early stage," Sullenberger wrote. " Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency landing in the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, after the aircraft struck a flock of Canada geese. All 150 passengers and five crew members survived the incident.
An Air Force veteran, Sullenberger later worked as a commercial pilot and accident investigator. In the statement he expressed hope to continue his work on aviation safety issues. "So this new phase of my life has challenged what it means to be of service," Sullenberger said.
"And the answer is to speak up. " Sullenberger has been in a partnership with Lorrie for 37 years. He noted that she views the disclosure as an opportunity to offer hope to others.
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