diff --git a/src/SortableContainer/index.js b/src/SortableContainer/index.js
index 9b24a045..8a3f7a0e 100644
--- a/src/SortableContainer/index.js
+++ b/src/SortableContainer/index.js
@@ -501,7 +501,9 @@ export default function sortableContainer(
       }
 
       // Remove the helper from the DOM
-      this.helper.parentNode.removeChild(this.helper);
+      if (this.helper && this.helper.parentNode) {
+        this.helper.parentNode.removeChild(this.helper);
+      }
 
       if (hideSortableGhost && this.sortableGhost) {
         setInlineStyles(this.sortableGhost, {