Jeremy Renner.Photo: abc
Jeremy Rennerdidn’t want to write what could have been his final words to his family, but he had one request he couldn’t ignore.
Speaking withDiane Sawyerin an interview that aired on ABC Thursday —Jeremy Renner: The Diane Sawyer Interview — A Story of Terror, Survival and Triumph— the 52-year-old actor emotionally recalled what the note he labored to compile in his phone from the hospital said, immediately following his near-deathsnowplow accident on Jan. 1.
“I’m writing down notes in my phone — my last words to my family,” said Renner.
He teared up before revealingwhat the note said: “‘Don’t let me live on tubes, on a machine. And if my existence is going to be on drugs and painkillers, just let me go now.’ "
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Diane Sawyer and Jeremy Renner.ABC News
TheNew Year’s Dayaccident resulted in Renner suffering “blunt chest trauma and orthopedic injuries” and breaking 30-plus bones, requiring him toundergo multiple surgeriesas a result.
He was initially left in"critical but stable condition"after his snowplow (said to weigh at least 14,330 lbs.) ran him over while he washelping a family member get a “stuck” vehicleout of the snow.
Renner also got visibly emotional when recalling telling his family “I’m sorry” in sign language from his hospital bed, as he couldn’t yet speak.
“I was signing that … ‘cause I am. I’m sorry,” theOscarnominee told Sawyer, 77. “I mean, I did that to them. And it’s my responsibility, you know? I feel bad that my actions caused so much pain.”
RELATED VIDEO: Jeremy Renner Suffered Snowplow Accident While Trying to Save Nephew, Says Sheriff’s Office Report
Family, fans, friends and colleagues, including several of Renner’s Marvel costars, have rallied around theHawkeyeactor in the wake of his accident and the three months since.
Renner recalled to Sawyer thinking hewould have died if his nephew Alex had not been thereimmediately following the incident.
“If I was there, on my own, that would’ve been a horrible way to die,” he said. “And surely, I would’ve. Surely. But I wasn’t alone — [I was with] my nephew. Sweet Alex. And the rest of the calvary came.”
Jeremy Renner: The Diane Sawyer Interview — A Story of Terror, Survival and Triumphis available to stream on Hulu now.
source: people.com
