Read a compilation of versions of the rumors about Kotzker chassidus’ mysteriously murky and sudden end on the (ironically named!) “Kotzk Blog” here…
Bear in mind the Kotzker Rebbe’s admitted, shameless Chassidic-antinomianism against the Shulchan Aruch presumably preceding this incident (plus one live example).
We should also mention the Kotzker’s very own vort:
הרבי מקוצק המליץ על דרשת חז”ל “את השם אלקיך תירא, לרבות תלמידי חכמים” – היינו, גם תלמיד חכם זקוק ליראת שמים!
This is no mere antiquarian muckraking; there are many lessons to be learned here for those who know about Kotzk!
P.S., In connection with the Gemara quoted in one version there (“במקום שיש חלול השם אין חולקין כבוד לרב”), see also this timely piece.