Jeremy Renner Was Run Over By His Own 7-Ton Snowplow In "Tragic Accident," Sheriff Says

New details have come to light regarding actor Jeremy Renner's serious injury near his home in Tahoe that has kept him in the ICU since New Year's Day. Reno sheriff Darin Balaam said at a press conference this week that Renner suffered a "tragic accident" after trying to save someone trapped in the snow.

Balaam said Renner was using a snowplowing tractor to help a motorist stranded in three feet of snow on a private road near Lake Tahoe on New Year's Day when his own vehicle, a 7-ton Pistenbully, ran him over. The stranded motorist was a family member, the sheriff said, according to NPR.

"After successfully towing his personal vehicle from its stuck location, Mr. Renner got out of his (snowcat) to speak to his family member," Balaam said. "The Pistenbully started to roll. In an effort to stop (it), Mr. Renner attempts to climb back into the driver's seat. It's at this point that Mr. Renner is run over."

An investigation into the matter is ongoing, but the sheriff said this was merely an accident and that no foul play is suspected, nor is there reason to believe Renner was impaired in any way at the time. The sheriff said first responders didn't get to the scene for more than 30 minutes due to a recent snowstorm that dropped three feet of snow the night prior.

"At this point in the investigation ... we believe this is a tragic accident," the sheriff said. "He was being a great neighbor and he was plowing those roads for his neighbors."

Renner was taken by medical helicopter to a Reno hospital about 25 miles away where he has since undergone surgery and is now recovering.

Since the accident, Renner has received an outpouring of love and support by fans and his movie star friends, including Chris Evans and Chris Pratt. Renner remains in the ICU after being treated for "blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries."

Renner is a two-time Oscar nominee, known for his roles in The Hurt Locker and The Town. In the MCU, he plays Clint Barton AKA Hawkeye. In addition to his many film roles, Renner stars on Paramount's TV series Mayor of Kingstown.