Jeremy Renner describes near-death peace after accident in a revealing interview after his harrowing snowplough incident in January 2023, which left him with multiple life-threatening injuries and a profound sense of clarity about life’s meaning. The actor shared on Kelly Ripa’s ‘Let’s Talk’ podcast how his experience between life and death brought an unparalleled peace and a new outlook on what truly matters.
Actor Relives Near-Fatal Accident and Its Aftermath
The incident took place in January 2023 when Jeremy Renner, then 54, was severely injured after being crushed by his snowcat, suffering 38 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a lacerated liver. As he recounted the events, Renner revealed that his initial emotions upon revival were not gratitude but frustration at returning from what he called a “magical” state.
He detailed the internal journey that occurred while being rushed back to life, describing the detachment from physical existence as both exhilarating and peaceful. Renner noted that this feeling surpassed any ordinary sensation, offering a unique perspective on existence and the fine boundary between life and death.
Describing the Moments Beyond Consciousness
Speaking to Kelly Ripa, Renner recounted the moments immediately after the accident. He shared that he did not encounter any visions or figures, emphasizing the pure mental clarity he experienced. During this time, he felt his essence on a molecular level, completely removed from his physical injuries.
And I didn’t want to come back. I remember, and I was brought back and I was so p***** off. I came back, I’m like, ‘Aww!’
—Jeremy Renner, Actor
Renner explained that his time “on the other side” was brief and quickly replaced by sharp awareness of the damage his body had endured. Visualizing his injuries upon regaining consciousness, he focused simply on surviving each moment, aware of the pain that was sure to follow.
Rethinking Life, Time, and Human Experience
Reflecting on the nature of time during his near-death experience, Renner described it as a construct irrelevant to his spiritual journey. Responding to Ripa’s questions about communicating with anyone during this state, he explained that such interactions are unnecessary in a realm where existence is not bound by earthly rules.
He referred to the earthly experience as a simplistic version of what lies beyond, where knowledge and experience occur simultaneously and with perfect clarity. Language and other earthly constructs, Renner said, faded into insignificance as he embraced an existence unconstrained by time.
Newfound Appreciation for Relationships and Values
Since the accident, Renner views the harrowing ordeal as a powerful affirmation of his own priorities. He stated that returning to life has given him the determination to live authentically and independently, valuing only that which he personally deems important.
Renner now prioritizes deep, loving connections with others above material or financial pursuits, having found these to be the only things of true value that persist beyond life’s physical boundaries.
I gave so much value to things that have zero value. So I invest into no stocks or bonds. I invest not into crypto or Bitcoin. I invest into love and my shared relationships that I experience love with. ’cause that is the only thing that you take with you.
—Jeremy Renner, Actor
Today, Renner’s experience shapes his approach to everyday living, as he continues his work in entertainment and remains open about how the brush with death has stripped away distractions and focused him on authentic living.
Impact of Renner’s Story and What Comes Next
By candidly sharing his journey with Kelly Ripa, Jeremy Renner brings attention to the transformative potential of traumatic events and the way such experiences can illuminate what truly matters—relationships and inner peace. His reflections resonate not only with fans of “Hawkeye” and “Mayor of Kingstown” but with anyone confronting life’s fragility. Moving forward, Renner’s insights contribute to a broader conversation about prioritizing meaningful human connections over material gains, an outlook shaped by surviving what he describes as both an ordeal and a revelation.
