In his memoir My Next Breath, actor Jeremy Renner opens up about the life-changing snowplow accident that nearly took his life, and the extraordinary sense of peace he felt in the moments before death.
The Avengers star, who was severely injured while helping his nephew, now shares how this near-death experience brought him closer to God and renewed his understanding of life and love.
This deeply personal account not only sheds light on his miraculous survival but also offers a powerful testimony of faith and the healing power of peace amidst chaos.
On January 1, 2023, Renner was involved in a tragic accident that nearly cost him his life. While trying to assist his nephew, Renner was run over by a 14,000-pound snowplow, resulting in over 30 broken bones, internal injuries, and a serious risk of death. As he lay in the snow, his heart rate dropped to an alarming 18 beats per minute. In those moments of imminent death, Renner felt a peace unlike any he had ever experienced.
"I knew I was close to death," Renner writes in his memoir. “But in the stillness of that moment, I felt God’s presence. There was a peace that settled in me, and I knew I was not alone. It was the most exhilarating calm I have ever known.” This deeply spiritual experience left him with a renewed sense of faith and a deep understanding that life is a gift, not to be taken for granted.
The experience changed the way Renner views his life and his purpose. While recovering from his injuries, he reflected on the love that surrounded him—especially the love for his family—and how it fueled his will to survive. "I wasn’t ready to leave my family. Their love is what brought me back," he shared.
Renner’s miraculous survival is not just a story of physical healing, but also a spiritual awakening. "I thought about my life and the people I love. I knew I had to fight to stay alive, to make sure I could continue to love them," Renner said. This shift in perspective, from fear to faith, became a cornerstone in his recovery process.
Now, months after the accident, Renner has resumed filming Mayor of Kingstown, continuing his career with renewed purpose. Yet, his memoir reveals that his journey has been as much about emotional and spiritual healing as it has been about physical recovery. Renner has learned to cherish each moment and prioritize the love of family, recognizing it as a reflection of God’s unconditional love.
This deeply personal narrative, filled with raw emotion and spiritual insight, is not just about surviving a tragic accident—it's about embracing life with a heart full of faith. Renner’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, God’s love and peace can carry us through.
