diff --git a/src/libmsc/sms_queue.c b/src/libmsc/sms_queue.c
index 7d59787f7..ed111231d 100644
--- a/src/libmsc/sms_queue.c
+++ b/src/libmsc/sms_queue.c
@@ -480,8 +480,8 @@ static int sms_sms_cb(unsigned int subsys, unsigned int signal,
 		/* Remember the subscriber and clear the pending entry */
 		network->sms_queue->pending -= 1;
 		vsub = vlr_subscr_get(pending->vsub);
-		sms_pending_free(pending);
 		db_sms_delete_sent_message_by_id(pending->sms_id);
+		sms_pending_free(pending);
 		/* Attempt to send another SMS to this subscriber */
 		sms_send_next(vsub);
 		vlr_subscr_put(vsub);