Actor Jeremy Renner is working towards recovery after a near-fatal snowplow accident in January 2023 and is also preparing to release new music inspired by the experience.
The incident occurred on New Year’s Day when the Marvel star was attempting to save his nephew, Alex, from a stranded vehicle at his Reno, Nevada, home during a snowstorm.
Renner was run over by his 14,300-pound PistenBully snowcat. According to a Washoe County Sheriff’s Department report, the emergency brake on the snowplow had not been properly applied as Renner exited the vehicle, resulting in its movement.
He attempted to step up on the PistenBully’s track in order to divert or stop it before the machine pulled him under.
The accident resulted in the actor being airlifted to the hospital. He was listed in critical but stable condition following the incident.
Renner sustained extensive injuries, breaking over 30 bones in his body. The specific injuries were severe and widespread.
During an interview with Diane Sawyer in March, Renner detailed the scope of the trauma. He revealed that he was “awake through every moment” of the accident.
Among the broken bones were eight ribs, which were broken in 14 places. Both the right knee and right ankle were broken.
The left leg tibia was broken, and the left ankle was also broken. Further breaks included the right clavicle and the right shoulder.
His face sustained multiple fractures, including the eye socket, jaw, and mandible. The impact also caused internal injuries.
Renner suffered a collapsed lung. His liver was also pierced from a rib bone.
A doctor later informed him that the machine came “within millimetres of hitting a vital organ or major nerve,” indicating the life-threatening nature of the injuries.
Renner underwent several surgeries following the accident. His rib cage was later rebuilt with metal.
Metal plates were also installed in his face to support his eye socket. Titanium rods were placed in one of his legs.
In April, his jaw was being held together with rubber bands and screws, as he told ABC News’ Diane Sawyer.
The actor’s recovery process has spanned the entire year since the accident. He has worked with doctors to address the blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries.
Since January 14, he has been exploring various forms of therapy. These efforts have been extensive and consistent.
Renner explained in an Instagram post, “I have been exploring EVERY type of therapy since Jan 14th.” He noted this involved “Everyday, countless hours of physical therapy.”
The list of therapies he has pursued is comprehensive. It includes peptide injections and iv drips and pushes.
He has also utilized stem cell and exosomes treatments. Red light / IR therapy has been part of his regimen.
A hyperbaric chamber set at 2.0 atmospheres has been used, as has cold plunge therapy. Renner stated that “the list goes on and on.”
Despite the wide array of physical treatments, Renner has emphasized the importance of his mental state in recovery. He has started to think differently about life and taking care of his mental health as much as his physical health.
He shared on Instagram on Monday evening that his mind and will have been his most significant therapeutic tools.
“My greatest therapy has been my mind and the will to be here and push to recover and be better…. Be exceptional… I feel it’s my duty to do so,” Renner wrote.
He articulated a sense of responsibility following the accident. This duty is tied to not squandering his life.
Renner wrote, “Not to squander my life being spared, but to give back to my family, friends, and all of you whom have empowered me to endure. I thank you all.”
