Jeremy Renner wasn’t ready to revisit the terrifying moment that almost took his life. The actor, known for roles in Avengers and The Hurt Locker, opened up on CBS Mornings about why he didn’t want to write about his January 2023 snowplow accident in his new book, My Next Breath. He revealed that most of the book was already written before he finally decided to add the chapter on his near-death experience. At first, he didn’t think sharing it would matter to anyone. “It was a private incident that happened in my driveway. Why does anybody care about it?” he said. But Renner realized that opening up could offer others something valuable, especially the lesson of pushing past your own fear and vulnerability. “Getting out of your own way is quite important to achieve and get anything you want in your life,” he explained.
The accident itself was brutal. Renner had been trying to stop a snowplow from sliding into his nephew during a heavy snowfall near his home in Reno, Nevada. He ended up getting crushed by the 14,000-pound vehicle, suffering more than 30 broken bones, blunt chest trauma, and orthopedic injuries. Doctors were unsure if he would walk again, but his determination to recover shocked even them. Earlier this year, Renner marked the second anniversary of the incident with a moving Instagram post. He shared a throwback photo of the medical team that helped save his life and called it his “second ReBirthday.” He wrote, “I send out my love, respect, and gratitude for the army of people that it took to put me back together again.” Renner didn’t hold back, also thanking his brave nephew and his neighbors who were the first to respond and help him while he lay critically injured on the icy driveway.
Despite his reluctance, My Next Breath includes the raw details of the incident, not to relive the trauma, but to show what healing can look like. The actor hopes his honesty helps others navigate their own hardships. He acknowledged how hard it was to share those haunting moments, especially knowing what his family had to see. “I’m so sorry all the haunting images I imprinted on you,” he said in his post, admitting the memory still weighs heavily on him. From being unable to move to now walking red carpets again, Jeremy Renner’s story is more than a comeback; it’s a lesson in resilience, courage, and being brave enough to be vulnerable.
On April 29, 2025, Renner appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he was asked why he drove the snowplow again after recovering. “I go right into the eye of the storm of any fear or anything. I didn't want this thing to haunt me or own me by any means,” he explained. He shared that he saw pieces of his clothing in the snowplow, a stark reminder of the accident. “It’s kind of like breaking up with your girlfriend you hadn't seen in a while, and you get back together. And you're like, 'Yeah, you ain't that good looking,' ” he said, reflecting on the experience.
Renner's memoir details not only the accident but also the moments he believed he died after being crushed by the snowplow. He described, “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.” He vividly recounted hearing his bones break during the accident, stating, “Six f–king wheels, seventy-six steel blades, 14,000 pounds of machine, all ranged against one human body.” Renner's daughter, Ava, who he shares with ex Sonni Pacheco, was a significant motivator throughout his recovery. “She was my fuel to get better,” he shared. “She gets better if I get better. All I have to do is get better for her.”
Writing the memoir proved to be a healing experience for Renner. During his appearance on The Tonight Show, he admitted, “To recount it, to own it in a different way word by word was quite healing for me.” He acknowledged that the process was challenging but essential for him and his family, including his nephew who witnessed the harrowing event. “It happened to my poor nephew who was holding my arm, and watching me bleed out,” he explained, emphasizing the emotional toll the accident took on those close to him.
In addition to his memoir, Renner also introduced his emotional support team during his appearance on the show. He showcased his dog, Hershey, along with a rabbit named Lady Fluffernutter and a pig named Petunia. “I take him everywhere. He's backstage, if you want to meet him,” Renner said, highlighting the importance of these animals in his healing process. He humorously noted that Petunia needed her own emotional support animal, a parrot named Ping-Pong, creating a light-hearted moment amid the serious discussion of his recovery.
As for his future, Renner remains optimistic. “It's impossible for me to have a bad day,” he said, reflecting on his journey. He continues to push forward, using his experiences to inspire others. The actor hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others navigate their own challenges and fears. “When I get out of my own way, you realize you open up the avenue for what the narrative really is. It didn't just happen to me,” he stated, emphasizing the shared nature of trauma and recovery.
Renner’s journey from a life-threatening accident to a powerful memoir is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His story not only highlights the importance of resilience but also the value of vulnerability and honesty in the face of adversity. As he continues to heal, Renner’s message resonates: overcoming fear and embracing life is possible, no matter the obstacles.
