Jeremy Renner accident: Marvel star was ‘trying to save nephew’ from snowplough before accident

Jeremy Renner was trying to stop a six-tonne snowplough from crashing into his nephew when he became trapped and crushed by the machine, a police report has disclosed.

The Marvel actor, 52, was using the PistenBully plough to help Alexander Fries free his car from the snow when the large vehicle began to roll down the hill. Renner, known for playing bow-wielding Marvel superhero Hawkeye, sustained injuries to his “torso, face, extremities and head” during the incident, the report from Washoe county sheriff’s department said.

He previously told fans they will “grow stronger, just like the love and bond with family and friends deepens”. The actor was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries on 1 January after he was accidentally run over by his own six-tonne ploughing machine while trying to help a family member.

The incident happened near the Mount Rose Highway, which links Lake Tahoe and south Reno as it straddles the Nevada-California border in the US. Here is all you need to know:

What does the police report say?

A report by deputy Garret Leone, obtained by the PA news agency, said that after he had arrived at the scene of the accident, he had spoken to Fries – who had been the only one present.

“Jeremy is his uncle and was helping him get the Ford pickup truck out of the driveway. The pickup truck got stuck multiple times, so they used the PistenBully to pull the truck out of the driveway,” the report said. “They had a chain connected to the back of the PistenBully and to the front of the Ford pickup. They got the pickup truck out of the driveway and Alexander parked in the middle of the street.

“Jeremy turned the PistenBully around further west on Drive. Once turned around, Jeremy exited the PistenBully in an attempt to speak to Alexander. Alexander observed the PistenBully traveling eastbound on Drive directly towards him with nobody inside driving the vehicle.

“While running towards the truck, Alexander observed Jeremy jumping on the tracks of the PistenBully to get in the cab of the vehicle. Alexander said Jeremy got caught on the PistenBully trucks and was ultimately run over by the PistenBully.”

Fries had begun “screaming for help” as he did not have his phone and was helped by two neighbours who provided towels and assistance to Renner while medical personnel arrived. Another report from deputy Jonathan Miller added that “in an attempt to keep the PistenBully from striking Fries, (Renner) attempted to step up on the track in order to divert the PistenBully or get it stopped.

“Renner was pulled under the PistenBully, and the track rolled over him,” the report said.

What has Jeremy Renner said?

The 52-year-old thanked all those who have sent him messages of support as he shared a photo on Instagram of him receiving treatment while lying in a hospital bed on Sunday (21 January). He wrote: “Morning workouts, resolutions all changed this particular new years…

“Spawned from tragedy for my entire family, and quickly focused into uniting actionable love. I want to thank EVERYONE for their messages and thoughtfulness for my family and I. Much love and appreciation to you all.

“These 30 plus broken bones will mend, grow stronger, just like the love and bond with family and friends deepens. Love and blessings to you all.”

Renner has continued to share updates of his recovery process online and on Monday he posted a picture to his Instagram story showing a high wall of snow, with the top of a house and snow-tipped trees peeking out, writing: “Missing my happy place.”

In a later post, he urged those living in the area to “be safe out there”. He has previously thanked staff at the intensive care unit where he was taken following the incident, for “beginning this journey”.

The incident took place around the new year, near the Mount Rose Highway, which links Lake Tahoe and south Reno as it straddles the Nevada-California border in the US. Immediately after the incident, Renner posted a picture of himself from his hospital bed, thanking fans for their support, but saying he was “too messed up to type”.

Scores of famous faces, including his Marvel co-stars, praised the actor for his bravery and sent well wishes in the aftermath.