Hero Pilot ‘Sully’ Sullenberger Flooded With Support After Announcing Tragic Health Diagnosis

His heroic actions saved those aboard the US Airways jet he landed in the Hudson River in 2009, inspiring a movie in which he was portrayed by Tom Hanks.

Now, Capt. Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger is making the news for a more somber reason.

As the New York Post reported:

“I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is early stage,” Sullenberger, 75, said in a statement.

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“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 added.

The retired US Airways pilot was diagnosed by his doctor, Gil Rabinovici at California’s UCSF Medical Center.

Now, he and his family hope that by revealing his condition publicly, it gives others strength to face it themselves.

The announcement sparked a wave of supportive social media posts:

I have so much respect for this hero. He did not have to share this, yet he did to help others.

— Lisa Vaillancourt (@lisa_vaill) July 14, 2026

The man who kept 155 families whole deserves every bit of the same strength and support he gave others. Wishing him peace and the very best on this journey.

— Awakening Q-Storm 🦅 (@AwakeningStorm) July 14, 2026

Sending prayers & positive energy your way. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
We are all in your corner.

— IllinoisGal (@illinois_gal) July 14, 2026

Fox News added these details:

Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, shared with People that the diagnosis has not dimmed his strong demeanor.

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“Just as he was the same steady person before and after Flight 1549, he is the same steady person now, before and after this diagnosis,” she said. “That strength and steadiness is guiding us as a family.”

“We’re supporting him on this journey that we now walk with so many other families. Though the future is uncertain, we continue to live our lives, have hope and find joy in the everyday.”

Here’s some additional coverage: