Full Breakdown
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger Reveals Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
7/14/2026, 10:30:33 PM
The Announcement
Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, 75, publicly disclosed on Tuesday that doctors have diagnosed him with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. In a statement posted to his personal website, he described the initial symptoms—difficulty recalling names, forgetting recently told stories, and poorer sleep—and framed the diagnosis as “the beginning of this long journey.”
Legacy of the “Miracle on the Hudson”
On 15 January 2009, Sullenberger safely ditched US Airways Flight 1549 in New York’s Hudson River after a bird strike disabled both engines. All 155 passengers and crew survived, an event dubbed the “Miracle on the Hudson.” The incident inspired the 2016 film *Sully* and propelled Sullenberger into a long-standing role as an aviation-safety advocate, former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, accident investigator, and U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Key Figures
- Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger – retired captain, public speaker, and safety advocate.
- Dr. Gil Rabinovici – neurologist at UCSF Medical Center who delivered the diagnosis.
- Lorrie Sullenberger – wife of 37 years, who emphasizes the family’s steadiness.
- Capt. Jeff Skiles – former first officer on Flight 1549, longtime friend.
Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States
- Approximately 7.2 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the National Library of Medicine.
- The Alzheimer’s Association reports about 7.4 million people aged 65 or older with clinical Alzheimer’s dementia, with roughly three-quarters of them over 75.
Why the Disclosure Matters
Sullenberger’s high profile gives him a platform to highlight a disease that affects millions yet remains under-discussed. By sharing his personal experience, he aims to encourage other families “living in the shadows” to speak openly, potentially reducing stigma and prompting earlier detection and support.
Official Statements & Responses
In his statement, Sullenberger expressed that the diagnosis will not deter his outlook: he plans to “look forward to and appreciate our future” and will navigate the new chapter with his family’s support. He reiterated his long-standing belief that “courage can be contagious,” urging the public to apply that courage to battling Alzheimer’s. His wife Lorrie described the family’s approach as one of “hope and joy,” noting that his steadiness remains unchanged. Former first officer Jeff Skiles praised Sullenberger’s resilience, saying he “wouldn’t even know anything was wrong” when speaking with him.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ slightly on the national prevalence figure—7.2 million versus 7.4 million older Americans—reflecting variations in reporting agencies. No additional medical details or treatment plans were disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, retired pilot
- “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.” — Sullenberger
- “And the answer is to speak up. It is my hope that by sharing this, other families living in the shadows with this disease will feel they too can step forward.” — Sullenberger
- “My doctor, Dr. Gil Rabinovici with UCSF Medical Center, has opened my eyes to the prevalence of Alzheimer’s,” — Sullenberger
- “Sully is larger than life, even to me,” says Capt. Jeff Skiles, former first officer of Flight 1549.
- “I have spent my life in service, in the US Air Force, as a commercial airline pilot, an accident investigator, as the US Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization,” — Sullenberger
What’s Next
Sullenberger is slated for induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in September 2026, an honor he says will proceed “with courage” despite his diagnosis.
