Jeremy Renner accident: Marvel actor sends love to fans after being run over by six-tonne snowplough

American actor Jeremy Renner has thanked fans for their “kind words” as he continues to recover in hospital after being run over by his own six-tonne snowplough.

The 51-year-old Marvel star shared an update on his condition on social media two days on from the incident, which occurred near his home.

Renner was airlifted to hospital on Sunday after suffering “blunt chest trauma and orthopaedic injuries” in an accident near the Mount Rose Highway, which links Lake Tahoe and south Reno, straddling the Nevada-California border.

Posting a picture of himself in a hospital bed with a bruised face on his official Instagram page, Renner told fans he was “too messed up” to send a longer message.

US actor Jeremy Renner has thanked fans for their support after he was seriously injured by his snow plough.

“Thank you all for your kind words,” he wrote. “I’m too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all.”

At a press conference on Tuesday, Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said Renner was helping a family member, who had become stuck in heavy snow, when the incident occurred.

Sheriff Balaam said the Sheriff’s office had received a call at 8:55am following reports of a crash involving a SnowCat ploughing machine and a civilian.

“Based on our investigation, Mr Renner’s personal vehicle, which was being driven by a family member, had become stuck in the snow near his home,” Sheriff Balaam told the news conference.

“Mr Renner went to retrieve his … SnowCat, an extremely large piece of snow removal equipment, weighing at least 14,330 pounds (6.4 tonnes), in an effort to get his vehicle moving.”

Sheriff Balaam said that after successfully freeing his vehicle, Renner had got out to speak with the family member when the SnowCat had begun to roll.

Renner had attempted to get back into the machine, at which point he was run over, he said.

Sheriff Balaam said there were no signs of “any foul play” and the incident had been a “tragic accident”.

Renner’s Marvel co stars have led tributes to the “hard as nails” actor, as he continues to recover from the incident.

Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Chris Pratt and Paul Bettany were among those sending love and well wishes to the 51-year-old.

Hemsworth, who plays Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), wrote: “Speedy recovery buddy. Sending love your way!” Evans, star of Captain America, added: “Tough as nails. Love you buddy.”

Pratt, who plays Peter Quill in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, said: “Continued prayers your way brutha.”

British star Bettany, who portrayed Vision in the MCU, wrote: “Love you mate. Sending you love and healing.”

Marvel directors Taika Waititi and the Russo brothers also wished Renner well, with the latter writing: “Sending all of our love, brother, and hopes for a speedy recovery.

“My brother, I love you,” added Waititi.

Other celebrities sent positive messages, including US talk show host Jimmy Fallon, actresses Vanessa Hudgens, and Penelope Cruz, Orlando Bloom and Heidi Klum.

Renner, a two-time Oscar nominee, is well-known for playing Marvel character Hawkeye.

He has also featured in films including The Hurt Locker, American Hustle, and Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

Renner stars in the Paramount+ series The Mayor Of Kingstown, with the second series set to premiere on the service in the UK on January 16.