How is the cross found in the snow discouraging to the parents?

All the newspapers were covering the story, and there was some postulation that it could be related to the Fairchild survivors. To be thorough the officials and parents moved their search to the area of the cross. While this raised the hopes of the families, it turned out to be a misuse of resources and time. They learned later that the cross was made by scientists from Mendoza. This excitement was akin to an emotional roller coaster ride for the families. They oscillated between holding onto hope and giving up.