local
Capt. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ pilot, announces Alzheimer’s diagnosis
By Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
(Gray News) - Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger says he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.Sullenberger made the announcement on Tuesday. “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is an early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to...
Key takeaway Sullenberger grabbed headlines in January 2009 as the US Airways captain who managed to land a plane full of people in the Hudson River without a loss of life despite the aircraft losing thrust in both engines.
Why this matters in Laredo News
In Laredo , where community support is a cornerstone of daily life, the announcement of Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's Alzheimer's diagnosis resonates deeply. As a city where family and neighbors often come together to support one another through life's challenges, Sullenberger's courage in sharing his story can inspire local families dealing with similar health issues. The fact that an estimated 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease means that many in Webb County may be affected directly or indirectly, making Sullenberger's message of hope and courage particularly relevant. His determination to raise awareness and reduce stigma around the disease can encourage Laredo residents to engage in open conversations about Alzheimer's and its impact on families, fostering a sense of community and support for those navigating this difficult journey.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) - Retired pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger says he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.Sullenberger made the announcement on Tuesday. “I recently found out I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is an early stage. For now, this means a name may not come easily to...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jordan Gartner at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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