In a recent interview with Ellen K of KOST 103.5, actor Jeremy Renner opened up about the details of his near-fatal snow plow accident on New Year’s Day 2023. A year after the incident that left him with over 30 broken bones, Renner reflected on the experience with a mix of bewilderment and gratitude.
Renner first revealed his initial underestimation of the situation:
“Waking up from the accident, I didn’t know what the big deal was. I mean, ‘What are people freaking out about? I’m going to be out of here in two days!’ I took a selfie when I was in the [hospital]!”
The actor then added that he was unaware of being on life support during the early stages of his recovery and was surprised by the public’s concern:
“I thought I was out in two days, so I just didn’t get why people were freaking out. Also, I was on life support for a few days [that] I didn’t realize. So, I woke up, and I was intubated. I was thinking, ‘I’m totally fine,’ my brain thought I was totally fine, but I’m sure I was high on all sorts of drugs. I didn’t get why, ultimately, and for a long time. I still have a hard time processing why people cared so much; that was hard to receive.”
The rest of the interview is below.
What Happened During the Accident?
The ‘Avengers’ star was crushed by a Pistenbully snow groomer, a type of snow-removal tractor while attempting to prevent it from sliding and injuring his nephew. The accident, which occurred due to the parking brake not being engaged and potential mechanical issues, left Renner critically injured and under intensive care for more than two weeks.
Despite the trauma, Renner focused on improvement, influenced by his family, especially his 10-year-old daughter, during his path to recovery. In an interview with CNN, he said:
“I’m just so blessed I had so many things to live for. I have a giant family and a 10-year-old daughter. The only option for me was to get better. I would have disappointed and really messed up a lot of people’s lives if I had passed. I’m also pretty stubborn; there’s a lot for me to fight for, and recovery was just a one-way road in my mind and my recovery.”
The incident not only impacted Renner physically but also emotionally, especially considering his nephew’s presence during the accident. Seeing it as a traumatic experience for his nephew, Renner reflected:
“I gave him, you know, images that he can never unsee. [But] I know that my healing would be healing for him.”
The actor is now preparing to resume filming for the third season of the Paramount+ series ‘The Mayor Of Kingstown.’ Renner has also released a song and teased an album, ‘Love and Titanium,’ exploring themes of life, death, and recovery. According to his Instagram bio, it will be released on January 19.
You can listen to the recently released Renner song ‘Wait’ below.
