CNN
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Actor Jeremy Renner was trying to stop his snowcat from hitting his nephew when it was pulled under the snowplow vehicle and run over on New Years Day, according to an incident report from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
The vehicle began to slide sideways after the ‘Avengers’ star used it to pull his nephew’s truck out of the snow, and the parking brake, which was not engaged, stopped it, according to the redacted incident report, filed Friday. The document was obtained by CNN on Tuesday via a public records request.
“The Pistenbully groomer began to slide, forcing Renner to exit the vehicle without applying the emergency brake,” the report’s conclusion reads.
“Although the Pistenbully had some mechanical issues, it is believed based on our mechanical inspection that the parking brake would prevent the Pistenbully from moving forward. When Renner attempted to stop or steer the Pistenbully away to avoid injury [his nephew]he was pulled under the vehicle by the track and crushed.
The report also notes that the brake warning light inside the vehicle’s cabin was not working and that “mechanical problems may have been a factor in this crash.”
Renner was airlifted to hospital, where he remained for more than two weeks, undergoing at least two surgeries and receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.
A 911 call log obtained by CNN said Renner was “completely crushed under a large snowcat [vehicle]” and he had “extreme [difficulty] breathing.” He goes on to read that “the right side of his chest is collapsed – upper torso is crushed.”
The incident began on New Years Day, when Renner towed his nephew’s truck out of the actor’s driveway after it was stuck in snow, he told investigators as he was hospitalized on January 5, according to the incident report.
After successfully pulling the truck out of the snow and onto the street, Renner said the plow started “sliding sideways” and then “it started rolling downhill.” At that time, Renner told investigators he had jumped off the snowplow.
“Once he left the Pistenbully he realized he was heading straight for [his nephew,]“, we read in the report. “He feared the Pistenbully would hit [his nephew]so he decided to attempt to stop or divert the Pistenbully.
To get into the snow plow cab, Renner had to climb up the moving track, the report notes. When he jumped onto the track, the report says that was when Renner was “immediately pulled under the track on the left side.”
“The Pistenbully rolled over him and continued down the road,” the report said. “He lay down on the floor and concentrated on his breathing while [his nephew and others] rescued him until medical personnel arrived at the scene.
Renner, who plays archer superhero Hawkeye in the Marvel film and television “Universe,” says he broke more than 30 bones in the incident.
He posted a photo on Instagram last week with a caption that read, “Morning workouts, resolutions all changed this particular new year…. Born out of tragedy for my whole family, and quickly focused on uniting actionable love ❤️ I want to thank EVERYONE for their messages and caring for me and my family…. Lots of love and appreciation to all of you. Those 30+ broken bones will mend, grow stronger, just as the love and connection with family and friends grows deeper. Love and blessings to you all.
Impaired driving was not considered a factor in the incident, the report also concludes.
CNN has reached out to representatives for Renner for comment.
