Final answer:
The forensic study found that money-saving alterations to the structure of the Kansas City hotel walkway led to a catastrophic collapse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The forensic study of the Kansas City hotel walkway determined that money-saving alterations had been made relating to the structure of the hanging walkway. The changes resulted in structural flaws that ultimately led to a catastrophic failure, causing the walkways to collapse. This tragic event is often used as a case study in engineering ethics and structural analysis. The calamity highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety and design standards to prevent similar incidents in the future. These alterations weakened the structural integrity of the walkway, leading to its collapse. The collapse resulted in casualties due to people falling to their deaths.