Hollywood actor Jeremy Renner was attempting to stop a snowplough from sliding and hitting his nephew when he was crushed and left fighting for life, according to a Nevada police report.
The redacted Washoe County Sheriff’s Office report obtained by CNN said that the emergency brake was not engaged, which would have stopped the snow-removal tractor as it started to slide sideways.
“The Pistenbully (snow plough) began sliding causing Renner to exit the vehicle without setting the emergency brake,” the report read.
“Although the Pistenbully had some mechanical issues, it is believed based on our mechanical inspection, that the parking brake would keep the Pistenbully from moving forward. When Renner attempted to stop or divert the Pistenbully to avoid injury to (his nephew), he was pulled under the vehicle by the track and run over.”
It was also noted in the report that the brake indicator light was not working and “mechanical issues may have been a factor,” but impairment is not believed to be a factor, reported the New York Post.
Renner’s nephew was able to tend to him until help arrived at the scene.
The 52-year-old actor was flown to a hospital near Reno after a neighbour who happened to be a doctor applied a tourniquet to his leg to stop the bleeding.
Renner was transferred to the intensive care unit following surgeries.
A terrifying 911 call captured the moments after the accident, as Renner can be heard in the background moaning in pain.
The neighbour who phoned emergency operators said the Marvel star’s breathing was “shallow” and suggested a medical helicopter be dispatched to the scene.
Last week, the two-time Oscar nominee announced that he was home from the hospital and recovering.
The actor had been hospitalised since January 1.
Renner revealed on Saturday that he broke over 30 bones in his New Year’s Day snow plough accident.
“Morning workouts, resolutions all changed this particular new years,” the Mayor of Kingstown star wrote in an Instagram post.
“Spawned from tragedy for my entire family, and quickly focused into uniting actionable love.”
The caption accompanied a photo of the actor, 52, laying in a hospital-like bed in his home while a medical specialist stretched his leg.
“I want to thank EVERYONE for their messages and thoughtfulness for my family and I,” he continued in the post, which quickly pulled a million likes. “Much love and appreciation to you all. These 30 plus broken bones will mend, grow stronger, just like the love and bond with family and friends deepens.”
“Love and blessings to you all,” he concluded, along with a series of heart and praying hands emojis.
This story appeared in the New York Post and is reproduced with permission.