ERIC LE MARQUE's story would make most of us shudder, glad it didn't happen to us. The day started out fine enough for the former Olympic hockey player - snowboarding down a fresh trail of powder along Mammoth Mountain. Unfortunately, in following this trail, Eric veered off course. He became lost. And darkness fell.

Eric spent a week in the wilderness, fighting cold and death. Surviving by eating pine needles and digging snow caves, he's an example of perseverance to us all.

Finally, Eric was rescued. But unfortunately frostbite had set in and surgeons were unable to save Eric's feet. Surgeons removed LeMarque's feet just below the ankles.

De L'Esprie is shown sculpting Eric's likeness for a trauma center hospital above. To the right is a photo of Eric along side the clay mould.