Jeremy Renner’s Recovery Journey: Insights from His Memoir
A Life-Changing Incident
Oscar-nominated actor Jeremy Renner has shared his harrowing experience following a near-fatal snowcat accident that occurred on New Year’s Eve Day 2023. In an interview with “CBS Mornings,” he reflected on his recovery process, which he detailed in his new memoir, My Next Breath.
Renner faced a terrifying ordeal when he was crushed by a 14,000-pound snowcat, resulting in over 38 broken bones. Medical personnel initially expressed skepticism about his chances of survival.
The Pain of Survival
During the 45-minute wait for medical assistance, Renner described the sensation as unbearable: “Your body is lit up and you’re drowning, you’re on fire, and being struck by lightning all at once.” Despite the pain, he focused on a critical aspect of survival: breathing.
“I wasn’t going to breathe; it didn’t matter my eyeballs were out of my head and my legs were all twisted up like a pretzel,” he said, reflecting on his mindset during that critical time. “You gotta breathe first.”
Realizing the Value of Sharing
Initially, Renner hesitated to share his experience in a memoir. “I didn’t want to write it. I just don’t think it was valuable in my life because I lived it,” he stated, contemplating the personal nature of the incident.
However, he later recognized the importance of his story, concluding, “Getting out of your own way is important to achieving anything you want in your life. That’s the lesson I had to learn.”
Inspiration from Family
Renner found significant motivation during his recovery in his 9-year-old daughter, Ava. He included a letter from her in his book, where she expressed pride in seeing him drive her after the accident.
“She was my fuel to get better,” Renner remarked, highlighting the bond that drove his recovery efforts. “She gets better if I get better. All I have to do is get better for her.”
A New Perspective on Life
Despite enduring permanent injuries, including a severely broken jaw, Renner has cultivated a new outlook on life. He described this shift as a re-evaluation of what he values: “It’s changed since the accident. There’s a lot of white noise I’ve released.”
He emphasized a newfound simplicity in life: “Living in that space is quite peaceful, joyful, clean.”
Final Thoughts
When asked what advice he would convey to himself during those crucial moments, Renner’s response was succinct: “Keep breathing. It works.”
My Next Breath is available as of today, offering insights into Renner’s journey of recovery and personal growth.