Jeremy Renner Reveals Painful Recovery After Near-Death Snowplow Accident in First Interview

Marvel actor Jeremy Renner recalled to Diane Sawyer what he thought after the snowplow accident
After surviving the accident on his property in Reno, Nevada, Renner needed multiple surgeries
After the accident, Renner has kept his fans updated on his recuperation

Jeremy Renner sacrificed his life to save his nephew, who was severely injured in a snowplow accident on January 1 - and he would "do it again."

In a sneak preview of his first interview since the event, Renner, 52, discusses the incident and his life since with Diane Sawyer. Renner asked if he recalls the agony, saying, "Yes."

Jeremy Renner Interview After Snowplow Accident

Once Sawyer, 77, read his list of ailments, which included over 30 fractured bones, she questioned him about the time he signed "I'm sorry" to his family after his accident when he could not talk.

"Yeah ... " Renner responded, becoming tearful as he turned his head away, following a pause. Yet, as the actor stated, he "chose to survive," adding, "You're not gonna kill me. No way."

According to PEOPLE, Jeremy Renner endured many operations after surviving the New Year's Day disaster on his farm near Reno, Nevada. Initially, he was in serious but stable condition after his snowplow, estimated to weigh at least 14,330 pounds, ran him over while assisting a family member with a "stuck" car.

After the accident, Renner has kept his fans updated on his recuperation. On Sunday, he updated his recuperation by releasing a video of himself walking with help on a treadmill.

Evangeline Lilly, Renner's Marvel co-star, stated in February that she visited the actor at his house and was amazed by his improvement and spirits after hearing about the catastrophic accident.

Renner Would Still Choose to Save His Nephew

Per CNN, the interview also features poignant moments with Renner's nephew, whom he attempted to prevent from being struck by the equipment during the disaster. Renner informed Sawyer that he would not alter the outcome.

He added, "Yes, I'd do it again since it was aimed directly at my nephew."

The Nevada Sheriff's Department stated in a January incident report that the 'Hurt Locker' actor was hauled beneath the machine while attempting to stop the snowplow from slipping and injuring his nephew.

As Sawyer pointed out, Renner had several severe injuries during the crash, including eight shattered ribs, a collapsed lung, and hundreds of other broken bones. Renner said on January 17 that he was discharged from the hospital after spending around two weeks in critical care.

On the Marvel actor's views on performing stunts after his injury, Renner further demonstrated he is a genuine superhuman, per NBC New York. The actor now views himself in the mirror as "a fortunate man." 'Jeremy Renner: The Diane Sawyer Interview - A Tale of Horror, Survival, and Triumph' will premiere on ABC at 10 p.m. ET on April 6 and will be available on Hulu the following day.

According to AOL, a video of his recuperation revealed that he has made significant progress. He released a video of himself walking on an anti-gravity treadmill over the weekend. He has been recording the experience on Instagram, step by step.

Renner wept when he recalled using sign language to apologize to his family in the hospital before he could talk. After the screening, the actor will participate in a Q&A for the Disney+ show about automobile restoration.

The snowplow that ran over Renner was first removed by officials for examination following the tragedy, and it was returned last week. According to a January incident report filed by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, "mechanical difficulties may have contributed to this collision."

Renner was shoveling snow to free a family member's "stuck" car at the time of the accident. Last week, Renner shared a birthday message to his daughter Ava, who turned ten years old. He stated that her "hug[s] and affection have cured me so extraordinarily quickly."