Mark Ruffalo asks fans to pray for his Avengers co-star and ‘brother’ Jeremy Renner

Actor Mark Ruffalo has urged fans to send healing prayers to his friend and colleague Jeremy Renner, after he was seriously injured in a snow-ploughing accident.

Ruffalo, 55, starred in the 2012 film Avengers with Renner, 51, who played Hawkeye, and went on to work with him on several other Marvel features in the following years, during which time they became friends.

Renner was left in a critical but stable condition after injuring himself while ploughing snow at his home in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, on Sunday morning. He was home alone at the time.

Ruffalo spoke about Renner following his accident, writing on Instagram: “Prayers up for our brother on a full and speedy recovery.

“Please send healing goodness his way.”

Renner was airlifted to hospital on Sunday (January 1), where he underwent surgery after suffering “blunt chest trauma and orthopaedic injuries” in what police described as a “weather-related incident”.

The Hawkeye actor remains in critical condition in intensive care, his publicist Samantha Mast said in a statement shared on Monday night.

“Jeremy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible doctors and nurses looking after him,” Ms Mast said.

“The family also thanked the local police and fire services, and said they were ‘tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans.’”

Renner’s family is said to be by the actor’s side as he continues to receive “excellent care”.

And fans have taken to Twitter to post well-wishes and to praise the star:

Last month, the Marvel star Tweeted about the heavy snow at his ranch. He wrote: “Lake Tahoe snowfall is no joke.”

Renner has shown the snowy conditions surrounding his Nevada home many times in pictures posted on social media.

The actor purchased the home, which is located on a mountainous area near Mount Rose-Ski Tahoe in Washoe County, several years ago, and spends much of his time there with his family.

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Kristin Vietti said of his accident: “Upon arrival, deputies co-ordinated with Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and REMSA Health to arrange for medical transport of Jeremy Renner via care flight to a local area hospital.

“Mr Renner was the only involved party.”