Jeremy Renner’s Snowplow Accident: How He Survived, Saved His Nephew, and Fought His Way Back to Health

On January 1, 2023, Jeremy Renner faced a life-threatening ordeal when he was run over by his own snow plow on his property near Reno, Nevada. The Jeremy Renner snowplow accident and recovery journey became headline news, as Renner’s condition was critical and his path to healing turned into a battle both physically and emotionally.

The Events Leading Up to the Catastrophe in Nevada

Jeremy Renner was at home with his family, preparing for a ski trip. With help from his nephew, Alexander Fries, Renner attempted to clear a path outside their property. Fries was tasked with moving a stuck pickup truck, while Renner operated a seven-ton PistonBully snow plow to assist. After successfully freeing the truck, Renner tried to park the plow, but it began to lose control on the snow-covered route.

Unable to see his nephew from inside the cab, Renner leaned outside to check his position. This instant proved fatal, as his foot caught on the plow’s track. As he attempted to get back into the driver’s seat, he was pulled under the massive treads. The machine rolled over him, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Alexander Fries witnessed this, then hurried to his uncle’s side. Fries later recounted to interviewer Diane Sawyer,

“When I ran up to him, I didn’t think he was alive … Then his head kind of turned, and this breath came out of him.”

—Fries, Nephew

Renner’s body was severely crushed—38 bones were broken, his right knee, ankle, and shoulder were fractured, his jaw and eye socket were shattered, his liver was pierced, and one lung collapsed. In total, about 15% of his skeleton was damaged. He lost six quarts of blood and was technically dead for a brief period before receiving emergency aid. After 45 minutes at the scene, medics airlifted him to a regional trauma center, where he immediately underwent surgery and was placed in intensive care in critical but stable condition.

The Heroic Act and Its Cost

The Jeremy Renner snowplow accident took place as he tried to shield his nephew from the skidding vehicle, putting himself in danger in the process. The accident left Renner hospitalized for more than two weeks, his future uncertain. Upon release, questions remained as to whether he would walk unaided or ever act again. Renner’s age—52 at the time—only compounded concerns about his recovery chances.

Medical professionals credited Renner’s survival to the robust mental and physical condition he’d developed over years of playing action roles. His excellent fitness was instrumental during surgery and throughout his extended time in the hospital. The ordeal soon became public knowledge as friends and fans followed every update, with doctors emphasizing not just the severity of the situation, but also Renner’s remarkable resilience.

Steps of a Challenging Recovery

Renner’s road to recovery was grueling and closely documented. Determined to regain mobility, he initially used a walker and methodically progressed to walking on a treadmill. Gradually, he shifted to using a cane. As the months passed, Renner celebrated milestones from walking unaided to running again—achievements he shared publicly in hope of inspiring others facing their own challenges.

His recovery was not just physical. In June 2024, during his first substantive interview post-accident with Men’s Health, Renner described his daily process of perseverance, highlighting a singular focus on breathing and overcoming each breath at a time. The actor later chronicled these experiences in his April 2025 memoir, My Next Breath, offering readers insight into the mental and emotional strain that accompanied his physical injuries.

Embracing a New Normal After Trauma

Jeremy Renner acknowledged to People magazine in May 2024 that he accepted the long-term ramifications of his injuries, showing an emotionally charged resolve:

“I had to accept it for the rest of my life. There’ll be nothing normal or as it was prior to the accident. By the way, I’m okay with that … I’m healthier because of it.”

—Renner, Actor

The journey back to acting and public appearances was fueled by a network of family, friends, and professional supporters. Although doctors and Renner himself admit that a full return to his pre-accident physical condition is unlikely, his drive and positive outlook keep him moving forward.

Renner’s story resonates as a powerful example of resilience, with his ordeal underscoring the immense physical and emotional demands of an unexpected catastrophe. The Jeremy Renner snowplow accident and recovery journey not only highlight his devotion to family, but also offer hope and inspiration to those struggling against their own setbacks. As Renner continues to share his experience, the next chapters in his life and career will likely draw strength from the same perseverance that helped him survive that fateful Nevada day.