Capt. 'Sully' Sullenberger reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

Sullenberger shared the update on his personal website.

ByYi-Jin YuGMA logo
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 5:36PM
Capt. Sully reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis

NEW YORK -- Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed a plane on the Hudson River in New York City in 2009, has revealed he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Anthony Johnson has the story.

"I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It is early stage," Sullenberger wrote in part in a statement posted to his website. "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."

VAULT | 'Miracle on the Hudson' breaking news coverage from 2009

Watch archive footage from WABC/Eyewitness News showing breaking news coverage of the 'Miracle on the Hudson' -- which happened January 15, 2009.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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