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Sully Sullenberger, ‘Miracle on the Hudson' pilot, says he has Alzheimer's disease
By Daniel Arkin | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the retired pilot who successfully landed a commercial airliner filled with passengers in the Hudson River after the plane lost thrust in both engines, announced Tuesday he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“It is early stage. For now, this means a name...
Key takeaway 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,” Sullenberger, 75, said in a statement on his website.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
As a prominent figure with ties to the Los Angeles area, Sully Sullenberger's announcement of his Alzheimer's diagnosis may resonate with local families affected by the disease. Los Angeles County is home to a large and aging population, with many residents likely to be impacted by Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Sullenberger's decision to speak publicly about his diagnosis could help raise awareness and reduce stigma around the disease in local communities. His advocacy for aviation safety has been well-documented, and it will be interesting to see if he becomes involved in local efforts to support Alzheimer's research and awareness in the Greater Los Angeles area. With his reputation as a hero and a safety advocate, Sullenberger's voice could be a powerful addition to the conversation around Alzheimer's in Los Angeles.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the retired pilot who successfully landed a commercial airliner filled with passengers in the Hudson River after the plane lost thrust in both engines, announced Tuesday he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“It is early stage. For now, this means a name...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Arkin | NBC News at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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