Modesto native, Avengers star Jeremy Renner still in ICU, thanks fans after vehicle accident
Modesto born-and-raised actor Jeremy Renner is thanking supporters while recovering in a hospital intensive care unit from “blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries” after being run over by his snowplow near his Lake Tahoe area property.
The accident occurred while he was trying to help a family member stuck in the snow on New Year’s Day, according to Nevada law enforcement officials. The “Avengers” and “Mayor of Kingstown” star was critically hurt in the single-vehicle accident on a private road off Mount Rose Highway not far from Reno on the Nevada side of the Tahoe Basin, said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam in a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
The incident started early Jan. 1 when a family member had taken one of Renner’s personal vehicles and got stuck in the snow. Balaam said Renner retrieved his Snowcat, a 14,300-plus-pound heavy-duty snow removal plow used by ski resorts, and towed the vehicle free.
But then when he got out of the snowplow to talk with his family member, the plow began rolling. When attempting to get back inside to stop it, he was run over by the piece of heavy machinery, Balaam said.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Department has launched a major-accident investigation into the incident. Balaam said foul play and impaired operation are not suspected at this time. Items from the scene are being tested to rule out mechanical failure.
Renner posted a photo of himself from his hospital bed on Instagram on Tuesday afternoon, thanking fans and showing some cuts and scratches to his face. His post read, “Thank you all for your kind words. (prayer hands emoji). I’m too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all.”
Initial reports from the Reno Gazette Journal said the Marvel star was snowplowing near his home after the recent winter storm dropped three feet on the area overnight. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve told the paper the Oscar-nominated actor was run over by his snowplow after getting out to assist someone.
“He was helping someone stranded in the snow,” Schieve told the Reno Gazette. “He is always helping others.”
TMZ earlier reported that the actor, known for playing Hawkeye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies and series, was on a road about a quarter mile from his Nevada home. A neighbor said the Snowcat plow ran over one of Renner’s legs and he lost a lot of blood. The Sheriff’s Department confirmed that neighbors had come out to help with towels as emergency personnel were hampered in their arrival by the snowy conditions. The 911 call for Renner’s accident came in at 8:55 a.m. and first responders were on scene at 9:30 p.m.
He was airlifted by helicopter to a Reno hospital, where, according to CNN, he underwent two surgeries to treat the injuries he suffered in the accident. He remains in the intensive care unit.
Renner — a Beyer High grad and Modesto Junior College theater alum — is days away from turning 52 on Jan. 7. His Paramount+ streaming crime series, “Mayor of Kingstown,” which he stars in and executive produces, is set to return for its second season Jan. 15.
In a statement to People magazine, Renner’s representative confirmed his injuries and said he remains in “critical but stable condition” in the ICU. The statement also thanked the star’s friends, first responders, medical personnel and fans for their support.
“Jeremy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him, Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff, Reno City Mayor Hillary Schieve and the Carano and Murdock families. They are also tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.”
This story was originally published January 3, 2023 at 12:41 PM.
