diff --git a/code/datums/components/spirit_holding.dm b/code/datums/components/spirit_holding.dm
index c5d14d95384..a4d0e029137 100644
--- a/code/datums/components/spirit_holding.dm
+++ b/code/datums/components/spirit_holding.dm
@@ -67,6 +67,9 @@
 	UnregisterSignal(parent, COMSIG_ITEM_ATTACK_SELF)
 
 	var/mob/dead/observer/chosen_spirit = pick(candidates)
+	if(QDELETED(parent)) //if the thing that we're conjuring a spirit in has been destroyed, don't create a spirit
+		to_chat(chosen_spirit, span_userdanger("The new vessel for your spirit has been destroyed! You remain an unbound ghost."))
+		return
 	bound_spirit = new(parent)
 	bound_spirit.ckey = chosen_spirit.ckey
 	bound_spirit.fully_replace_character_name(null, "The spirit of [parent]")