diff --git a/lib/src/upper/rlc_um.cc b/lib/src/upper/rlc_um.cc
index f0466c9e1..77c40aa36 100644
--- a/lib/src/upper/rlc_um.cc
+++ b/lib/src/upper/rlc_um.cc
@@ -67,6 +67,10 @@ rlc_um::~rlc_um()
 {
   pthread_mutex_destroy(&mutex);
   pool = NULL;
+  if (mac_timers && reordering_timer) {
+    mac_timers->timer_release_id(reordering_timer_id);
+    reordering_timer = NULL;
+  }
 }
 
 void rlc_um::init(srslte::log                  *log_,
@@ -169,10 +173,6 @@ void rlc_um::stop()
   rx_window.clear();
   pthread_mutex_unlock(&mutex);
 
-  if (mac_timers && reordering_timer) {
-    mac_timers->timer_release_id(reordering_timer_id);
-    reordering_timer = NULL;
-  }
 }
 
 rlc_mode_t rlc_um::get_mode()