Three years after a near-fatal snowplow accident that left him with over 38 broken bones, Jeremy Renner reflects on his journey of survival, healing, and resilience, sharing updates and insights from his memoir.
On January 1, 2026, Jeremy Renner marked the third anniversary of the life-altering snowplow accident that nearly took his life. The actor, known for his roles in the Avengers franchise and Hawkeye, took to Instagram to share a mix of humor and introspection, posting a photo of the snowplow that ran him over with the caption, “Not today,” followed by a winking emoji and a kiss emoji. He added, “Rain delay,” a lighthearted nod to the circumstances that led to his near-fatal injuries.
The Accident That Changed Everything
On New Year’s Day in 2023, Renner was rushed to the hospital after being crushed by a PistenBully, a snow-removal vehicle weighing over 14,330 pounds. The accident occurred near his home in Nevada as he attempted to save his young nephew, Alex Fries, from being struck. The incident left Renner with more than 38 broken bones, including six broken ribs in 14 places, a broken tibia, and a collapsed lung. His injuries were so severe that he later revealed in his memoir, My Next Breath, that he “died” on his driveway that day.
In his memoir, released in April 2025, Renner detailed the harrowing experience: “As I lay on the ice, my heart rate slowed, and right there, on that New Year’s Day, unknown to my daughter, my sisters, my friends, my father, my mother, I just got tired. After about 30 minutes on the ice, of breathing manually for so long, an effort akin to doing 10 or 20 push-ups per minute for half an hour … that’s when I died.” His candid recounting of the accident and its aftermath has resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, offering a raw look at his physical and emotional recovery.
A Journey of Healing and Reflection
Renner’s road to recovery has been long and arduous, but his resilience has been nothing short of inspiring. In a follow-up Instagram Story, he shared a photo of a child on a snowy path with the caption, “Happy New Year. A New day. And new pathways filled with Love and adventure.” This post underscores his optimistic outlook and determination to move forward, despite the challenges he has faced.
During an April 2025 appearance on The Jimmy Fallon Show, Renner opened up about the emotional toll of writing his memoir. “I went through a year and I was doing pretty good. I was walking again. Then the idea of writing the book came around and I was like, ‘Oh, God, I got to relive this thing?’ It was quite the struggle,” he admitted. However, he recognized the importance of sharing his story, not just for himself but for his family and fans. “It was important for me to get out of my own damn way. To relive it, to recount it, to own it in a different way, word by word, was quite healing for me,” he said.
Renner’s memoir also highlights the impact of the accident on his loved ones, particularly his nephew and mother. “It didn’t just happen to me. It happened to my poor nephew, who was holding my arm and watching me bleed out and all that sort of stuff. It’s healing for him. And for my mother, who had to get that phone call and drive 13 hours through a snowstorm to get to me in the hospital. It was healing in a lot of different ways,” he shared.
Public Reactions and Fan Support
The actor’s openness about his recovery has garnered widespread support from fans and fellow celebrities. His social media posts, including updates on his physical therapy and emotional healing, have been met with an outpouring of love and encouragement. Renner’s ability to find humor and positivity in the face of adversity has further endeared him to his audience.
In a July 2024 interview with Men’s Health, Renner recalled the accident in vivid detail: “I remember every undulation. I remember my head cracking on the thing and it just pressing on me — it’s exactly like you think it would feel. An immovable object and a crushing force, and something’s gotta give. But thank God my skull didn’t fully give.” His candidness about the physical and emotional toll of the accident has helped fans understand the depth of his journey.
Looking Ahead
As Renner continues to recover, his focus remains on his family, his career, and his personal growth. His memoir, My Next Breath, serves as a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome the odds. With each passing year, Renner’s story becomes not just one of survival, but of triumph and renewal.
For fans eager to follow Renner’s journey, his Instagram updates and public appearances offer a glimpse into his ongoing recovery and the lessons he has learned along the way. His story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of cherishing every moment.
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