Jeremy Renner, Marvel's Hawkeye, undergoes surgery after snow plough accident

US actor Jeremy Renner remains in intensive care after suffering blunt chest trauma in a snow plough accident on Sunday at his Lake Tahoe ranch in Nevada.

A representative for the actor described the 51-year-old's condition as stable after he underwent surgery for orthopaedic injuries.

"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 others, read the statement. "They are also tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans."

Authorities and Renner's representative haven't said how the accident occurred. Renner was the only person involved in the accident, and the sheriff's office said in a news release that it is investigating. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office said late Sunday that Renner had to be airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for treatment.

On December 13, the actor shared a photo on Twitter, writing, "Snowfall at Lake Tahoe is no joke."

The region was hit by a winter storm on New Year's Eve, which left 35,000 homes without electricity. Much of the United States has been hit by the "blizzard of the century" over the past week, and at least 60 people have died nationwide.

Renner plays Hawkeye, a sharp-shooting member of the superhero Avengers squad in Marvel's sprawling movie and television universe.

He is also a two-time acting Oscar nominee, scoring back-to-back nods for "The Hurt Locker" and "The Town." Renner's portrayal of a bomb disposal specialist in Iraq in 2009's "The Hurt Locker" helped turn him into a household name.

"The Avengers" in 2012 cemented him as part of Marvel's grand storytelling ambitions, with his character appearing in several sequels and getting its own Disney+ series, "Hawkeye."