diff --git a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp
index 3ed1a8678c..6407d03f23 100644
--- a/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp
+++ b/apps/openmw/mwmechanics/combat.cpp
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ namespace MWMechanics
                 cast.mHitPosition = hitPosition;
                 cast.cast(object, false);
                 // Apply magic effects directly instead of waiting a frame to allow soul trap to work on one-hit kills
-                if(victim.getClass().isActor())
+                if(!victim.isEmpty() && victim.getClass().isActor())
                     MWBase::Environment::get().getMechanicsManager()->updateMagicEffects(victim);
                 return true;
             }