Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner has opened up about his traumatic recovery from a life-threatening snowplow accident in an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings" while promoting his memoir, "My Next Breath." Renner, who suffered over 30 broken bones after being crushed by a snowplow on New Year's Day 2023, detailed the harrowing experience that he describes as a near-death ordeal.
On that fateful day, Renner was attempting to save his nephew from the sliding machine when he was struck. The incident left him in critical condition, with injuries including a collapsed lung and a severely damaged eye. In his memoir, released on April 29, 2025, Renner recalls waiting for 45 minutes for medical assistance, during which he believes he briefly died.
"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," Renner writes. "After about thirty minutes on the ice of breathing manually for so long, an effort akin to doing ten or twenty push-ups per minute... that’s when I died." He adds that when the EMTs arrived, they noted his heart rate had plummeted to 18 beats per minute, essentially meaning he was clinically dead.
Renner described the sensations he experienced during those critical moments. "What I felt was energy, a constantly connected, beautiful and fantastic energy," he said. "There was no time, place, or space, and nothing to see, except a kind of electric, two-way vision made from strands of that inconceivable energy." He expressed a profound sense of peace, stating, "I can still feel that space, silent, still, empty, but filled with every instant and all the forevers."
Despite the traumatic nature of the accident, Renner's journey toward recovery has been marked by determination and a new perspective on life. He credits his survival to a focus on the simple act of breathing. "I wasn’t going to breathe; it didn’t matter that my eyeball was out of my head and my legs were all twisted up like a pretzel," Renner reflected. "You gotta breathe first." This mindset, he says, helped him control the overwhelming pain he felt as he awaited help.
Renner's daughter, Ava, has been a significant source of motivation for him throughout his recovery. He shared that her support was crucial, saying, "She was my fuel to get better. She gets better if I get better. All I have to do is get better for her." This bond with his daughter has helped him navigate the challenges of rehabilitation.
In his memoir, Renner also reflects on the mental and emotional aspects of his recovery. Initially hesitant to share his story, he came to realize its potential impact. "Getting out of your own way is important to achieving anything you want in your life. That's the lesson I had to learn," he stated. "It was silly of me not to share it." He hopes that by telling his story, he can inspire others to confront their obstacles and embrace life more fully.
Renner's journey has not been easy; he faces permanent injuries, including a jaw broken in three places and misaligned teeth. However, he emphasizes a simplified approach to life post-accident. "I think it's a way of zooming out and focusing," he explained. "What do I give value to? It's changed since the accident. There's a lot of white noise I've released. I oversimplify life because it is just that simple. Living in that space is quite peaceful, joyful, clean life."
As he continues to heal, Renner has returned to work, resuming his role in the Paramount+ series "Mayor of Kingstown" and preparing for an appearance in the upcoming third installment of the "Knives Out" franchise. His commitment to his craft remains strong, and he is eager to share his journey with the world.
In the interview, Renner poignantly articulated what he would tell himself during those critical moments of his accident: "Keep breathing. It works." This mantra has become a guiding principle in his life, reminding him of the importance of resilience and the power of a focused mind.
Ultimately, "My Next Breath" serves not only as a recounting of a traumatic experience but also as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and thrive. Renner's story is one of hope, love, and the relentless pursuit of life, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.
