'I know I died': The shocking moment that changed a Marvel hero’s life forever

On New Year’s Day 2023, a life-changing event rocked the world of Hollywood.

Jeremy Renner, known for his heroic roles on screen, found himself facing an unimaginable real-life battle for survival.

What followed was an extraordinary journey of courage, pain, and recovery that left everyone in awe.


On New Year’s Day 2023, Jeremy Renner’s life changed forever in a terrifying accident.

The actor, best known for his role in The Avengers, had heroically thrown himself in front of a snowplow to save his nephew, only to be crushed by the heavy machinery.

Renner’s memoir, My Next Breath, detailed the harrowing experience, revealing his thoughts in the moment.


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Renner’s heroic act leads to life-changing accident. Image source: ABC


‘I could see my lifetime. I could see everything all at once. It could have been for ten seconds; could have been for five minutes,’ Renner wrote.

‘I know I died…When the EMTs arrived, they noted that my heart had bottomed out at 18, and 18 beats per minute, you’re basically dead,’ he continued.

The snowplow had six wheels, 76 steel blades, and weighed 14,000 pounds–all of which were against his body.

‘Six f****** wheels, seventy-six steel blades, 14,000 pounds of machine, all ranged against one human body,’ Renner said.

‘I hear all the bones crack…Skull, jaw, cheekbones, molars: fibula, tibia, lungs, eye sockets, cranium, pelvis, ulna, legs, arms, skin, crack, snap, crack, squeeze.’


The actor’s body was shattered, suffering over 30 broken bones, a punctured lung, and a major head laceration. He had to face a long and painful road to recovery.

Renner recounted the moment he lay in the snow, feeling only a vague sense of his injuries.

‘The truth was that my collapsed rib cage and my broken and dislocated shoulder and collarbone had worked to compress my lung to the point of suffocation,’ he wrote.

The most gruesome injury was his left eyeball, which ‘violently burst out of [his] skull’ from a broken orbital bone.

‘With the temperatures that morning hovering around freezing,’ he wrote.

‘And my body in shock, stuck on an icy driveway, the killing cold began to dangerously bite.’


After being airlifted to a Reno hospital, Renner underwent several surgeries. His first message to family members was a bleak one, expressing his desire to end his life if the situation became unbearable.

‘If I get to a point where I have to live on a machine or serious pain drugs to continue, I choose NOT to continue a dishonest life. I have lived all I wanted to live,’ he typed.

Just six days later, he was transported to Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles for further surgeries. The extent of his injuries was severe, but Renner remained determined.

Despite the overwhelming pain and setbacks, he was discharged by 13 January, though his body was far from healed.

‘Everything was pinned,’ he wrote, ‘my body titanium-filled, contusions and staples and bones still shattered all over my body.’


Renner’s recovery process was anything but easy. At home, he set up a comprehensive rehabilitation regime that included balls, bands, rollers, and an anti-gravity treadmill.

But even with all the high-tech rehab equipment, Renner was relentless in his pursuit of normalcy.

‘‘This urge for normalcy, for pushing the boundaries, was what had always gotten me through any trial in my life, not just after the incident,’ he said.

By April, Renner had regained enough strength to visit Six Flags amusement park and ride a rollercoaster.


Despite nearly dying that day, Renner had no regrets about his actions.

‘I had to do something,’ he reflected.

‘In those lightning-fast seconds, his (nephew Alex) life hung in the balance. If that machine was to hit him, it would have crushed him to death, no question.’

To understand the full extent of Jeremy Renner's ordeal and incredible recovery, check out the video below.

Watch now to see his powerful journey through life-threatening challenges and survival.


Source: Youtube/Entertainment Tonight



To truly appreciate the depth of Jeremy Renner’s strength, both on and off screen, this video highlights his most memorable fight scenes.

It’s a powerful reminder of his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Watch now to see the moments that defined his iconic role.


Source: Youtube/Keep Cool Scenes​


Key Takeaways
  • Jeremy Renner's life changed drastically after a snowplow accident on New Year's Day 2023.
  • He heroically saved his nephew, but was critically injured, suffering over 30 broken bones and severe internal damage.
  • Renner detailed the traumatic experience in his memoir, revealing his near-death experience and initial plea for death.
  • After multiple surgeries and intense rehab, he regained strength and reflected on his actions without regrets.

Jeremy Renner’s incredible journey of survival and recovery is nothing short of inspiring.

After facing such overwhelming odds, his determination to keep pushing forward is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

What do you think about his bravery in saving his nephew? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
 

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