diff --git a/bridges/bridge_softmix.c b/bridges/bridge_softmix.c
index 3cddc42e4..69d13a2b6 100644
--- a/bridges/bridge_softmix.c
+++ b/bridges/bridge_softmix.c
@@ -99,6 +99,9 @@ static int softmix_bridge_create(struct ast_bridge *bridge)
 /*! \brief Function called when a bridge is destroyed */
 static int softmix_bridge_destroy(struct ast_bridge *bridge)
 {
+	if (!bridge->bridge_pvt) {
+		return -1;
+	}
 	ast_timer_close((struct ast_timer *) bridge->bridge_pvt);
 
 	return 0;