RPGMemes

In retrospect its obvious. At the time it happened, it just seemed like this player was just suddenly mid-campaign throwing a wrench in everything. No one knew about the personal beef, not even the DM it was directed at.

Everyone in private said they were enjoying the game but this one player kept ruining the fun. DM said he'll talk with him (which is how he found out about the personal beef) but they couldn't resolve it amicabily.

So hence the very awkward campaign-ending-but-actually-a-new-one starting without that specific player.

You are correct though, the 'new' campaign went on for awhile but then the social group eventually went their separate directions anyways and it ended for good.

Edit: Actually rereading my original post, I'm not trying to argue that this was a good solution. I'm going to edit this and the initial post to clarify that.