diff --git a/objects.c b/objects.c
index 32e906a..2890f1e 100644
--- a/objects.c
+++ b/objects.c
@@ -16243,16 +16243,18 @@ int real_fireat(lifeform_t *thrower, object_t *o, int amt, cell_t *where, int sp
 		}
 
 		if (thrower && hasactivespell(thrower, OT_S_WHATGOESUP)) {
-			// on the ground?
-			if ((newob->pile->where == where) && haslof(newob->pile->where, thrower->cell, LOF_NEED, NULL)) {
-				if (isplayer(thrower)) {
-					msg("%s returns to you!", obname);
-				} else if (cansee(player, thrower)) {
-					msg("%s returns to %s!", obname, throwername);
-				} else if (haslos(player, newob->pile->where)) {
-					msg("%s returns to someone!", obname);
+			if (newob && !isdeadob(newob)) {
+				// on the ground?
+				if ((newob->pile->where == where) && haslof(newob->pile->where, thrower->cell, LOF_NEED, NULL)) {
+					if (isplayer(thrower)) {
+						msg("%s returns to you!", obname);
+					} else if (cansee(player, thrower)) {
+						msg("%s returns to %s!", obname, throwername);
+					} else if (haslos(player, newob->pile->where)) {
+						msg("%s returns to someone!", obname);
+					}
+					moveob(newob, thrower->pack, newob->amt);
 				}
-				moveob(newob, thrower->pack, newob->amt);
 			}
 		} 
 	}