Miracle on the Hudson pilot Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, 75, announces Alzheimer's diagnosis 17 years after saving 155 lives by ditching plane in NYC river

By NATASHA ANDERSON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 18:12, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 18:29, 14 July 2026 Miracle on the Hudson pilot Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.  The 75-year-old announced on Tuesday that he was recently diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's, a heartbreaking disease that slowly destroys memory and cognitive functioning. Sullenberger shared how he and his wife of 37 years, Lorrie, are remaining positive despite the diagnosis. 'Lorrie and I often said we won the baby lottery with our two daughters. And we have learned what people say is actually true: that grandchildren are a game changer. Our granddaughter gives a whole new meaning to life,' he said.  'With that said, I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. It is early stage.  '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.' He said that although his memory will be impacted by the disease, his 'diagnosis will not prevent me from looking forward to and appreciating our future.' Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger, 75, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease 'I will navigate this chapter with my wonderful family by my side,' he said, sharing how Lorrie has asked that others show them hope in this time of need.  'Over the years, when people would ask about the successful outcome of Flight 1549, I would say that 'courage can be contagious,' and on that day it helped everyone band together to get everyone off that airplane successfully,' he added. 'Now we need that courage to battle this disease. I am now part of a larger community with many of you, and we will be courageous together.' He went on the highlight how the devastating diseases impacts 'millions of families.' 'My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer's,' Sullenberger wrote. 'This disease, he has told me, spares no age group and impacts millions of people around the world. It is the unwanted visitor at the door.' Sullenberger famously landed a damaged plane on the Hudson river in New York City in 2009 after it encountered double engine failure after colliding with a flock of geese after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport. All 155 people on board survived the plane's crash landing into the Hudson River, which has since been dubbed the 'Miracle on the Hudson'. Sully was portrayed by Tom Hanks in the 2016 movie named after him about the flight, which Clint Eastwood directed.  This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.