After being stuck on Mammoth Mountain for eight days in February 2004, Eric LeMarque developed stage IV frostbite. The former professional ice hockey player lost both of his legs as a result of the event.

The tragedy, on the other hand, taught LeMarque the importance of his life and his family, particularly his wife. They were the true riches in his life, he realized, for they never left his side, even when he was fighting for his life.

Continue reading to learn more about LeMarque’s 2004 incident and his family!

Eric LeMarque is stranded in strange woods with deep snow.

On February 6, 2004, LeMarque skied around Mammoth Mountain in California’s Sierra Nevada range with nothing but a light jacket, some gum, damp matches, and a bag of meth.

LeMarque was well aware of the approaching wall of storm clouds. He was even aware that the storm would pass him by in a matter of minutes. However, his “overconfidence and bad judgment” led him into the uncharted ground.

He became lost in the woods as the sunset and was forced to spend the night there. When he awoke in the morning, he pushed through the 15-foot snow to go back home.

But neither the weather nor his luck was on his side, and he became stranded in the freezing woods.

He also came across coyotes, slid and fell into cold water, narrowly avoided falling over an 80-foot waterfall, trekked in the snow with only one boot and no socks on both feet, and spent seven nights without food, drink, or shelter.

When Eric LeMarque had given up all hope, he was rescued by helicopter.

LeMarque was on the edge of death due to a lack of food and supplies. On his feet and legs, he had serious frostbites. He dropped 45 pounds and, eventually, his hope of being found.

But, just when LeMarque had given up hope of making it home alive on his eighth day, he heard the sound of a helicopter circling above him. The search and rescue team was aboard a National Guard Black Hawk chopper.

After then, the American-French author was taken to the hospital. His feet were originally amputated just above the ankles, but his legs were so badly wounded that they had to take another 6 inches off and cut below the knee.

According to experts, no person could withstand such extreme temperatures. LeMarque, on the other hand, defied all odds and gained the moniker ‘The Miracle Man.’

In 2017, a biographical film called 6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain was developed based on his tale. In the film, the part of LeMarque was played by American actor Josh Hartnett.

Eric LeMarque Is Grateful For His Beautiful Wife And Family

In an interview with Mirror magazine in October 2017, Eric LeMarque stated that his near-death experience taught him the value of his family, particularly his wife.

He claimed that his “powder” addiction [he used Meth] and overconfidence in his ability to overcome the snow were the factors that contributed to the unforgettable hurricane in his life. After the incident, he discovered “a great wife and gorgeous family.” The former ice hockey player then went on to say:

Eric is married to Hope and has a son named Zach.

From his previous connection with his wife, he has a stepson named Nick. The international best-selling novelist now lives in Southern California with his son Zach.