Jeremy Renner reveals harrowing near-death experience after snowplow accident

On New Year’s Day 2023, Jeremy Renner suffered a near-fatal snowplow accident at his home in Nevada. The incident occurred while he was attempting to rescue his nephew from an imminent danger posed by the machine. Renner made an unfortunate and critical mistake by failing to engage the parking brake and disengage the steel tracks before exiting the driver's cab. As he slipped and was propelled onto the ice, he endured the horrifying experience of the snowplow, which weighs 14,000 pounds, rolling over him, inflicting severe and life-threatening injuries. The severity of the injuries was overwhelming; Renner broke over 30 bones and lost significant blood, presenting immediate dangers from hypothermia due to the freezing temperatures at the time. Despite being aware of his critical condition, he felt an unusual peace as he lay on the ice. Witnesses reported seeing him turn gray and closing his eyes, leading him to believe he had died for a short period. He later recounted the extraordinary sensations experienced during that time, including a sense of energy and a visual perception of his life unfolding all at once. Emergency medical teams reported that his heart rate had significantly dropped, indicating he was nearly dead when they arrived. His immediate medical treatment included surgeries to address his multiple injuries, which included collapsed lungs and severe trauma to his skull and face, where a bone fracture had caused one of his eyes to burst from its socket. Renner’s recovery process was arduous, and he spent a considerable part of 2023 rehabilitating from his injuries and re-assimilating back into life and career. Despite the life-altering moment fueled by a split-second decision, Renner viewed the experience as a profound reminder of the importance of family and love. He maintained a positive outlook and regained his strength enough to resume his acting career, expressing gratitude for being alive and for the love surrounding him. He also wrote about this harrowing event in his memoir, “My Next Breath,” where he provided graphic details of the accident and the physical and emotional challenges that followed.