Jeremy Renner undergoes surgery after suffering 'blunt chest trauma' in snowplow incident

A representative for Jeremy Renner has revealed the actor has undergone surgery following a snowplow incident.

The 51-year-old was airlifted to hospital on New Year's Day after a reported two foot of snow fell in the region where he lives - near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

A spokesperson for the Marvel star says he remains in a 'critical but stable condition'.

“We can confirm that Jeremy has suffered blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries and has undergone surgery today, January 2nd 2023," the representative told Deadline.

"He has returned from surgery and remains in the intensive care unit.

"Jeremy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him, Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, Washoe County Sheriff, Reno City Mayor Hillary Schieve and the Carano and Murdock families.

"They are also tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.”

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a statement that they 'responded to a traumatic injury in the area of Mt Rose Highway in Reno, Nevada'.

They revealed Renner was the only person involved in the incident and an investigation is underway into the cause.

Renner owns several different snowplows and regularly posts content on social media where he can be seen clearing snow around his home.

"I have so much respect for Mother Earth, and Mother Nature... I expect to lose the fight but I'll always give it my best shot," he wrote on one video.

The actor has previously spoken about how he works with fire departments, helping their crews.

"I work with the fire departments up there and they are pretty awesome. They are teaching me and helping me, and I still have to get some more hours in with them," he said.

Since the accident, fans have been taking to Twitter to post messages of support for the actor.

One person wrote: "Shocking to hear Jeremy Renner is in critical condition, he is one of favourite actors in recent times. I hope he recovers soon enough."

While another said: "@JeremyRenner sending you all my thoughts and best wishes for your full and speedy recovery from your serious injuries. I am saddened to hear of your accident and am thinking of you and your family."

Two-time Oscar nominee Renner became a household name in 2008 when he first appeared as a bomb disposal specialist in 2008 movie The Hurt Locker, set in Iraq.

The actor later starred as Hawkeye in Marvel’s Avengers, as well as Disney's television miniseries, Hawkeye.