diff --git a/server/events.go b/server/events.go
index d23b3faf..8dafdd86 100644
--- a/server/events.go
+++ b/server/events.go
@@ -1672,13 +1672,17 @@ func (s *Server) debugSubscribers(sub *subscription, c *client, subject, reply s
 		case <-time.After(500 * time.Millisecond):
 		}
 		// Cleanup the WC entry.
+		var sendResponse bool
 		s.mu.Lock()
 		if s.sys != nil && s.sys.replies != nil {
 			delete(s.sys.replies, replySubj)
+			sendResponse = true
 		}
 		s.mu.Unlock()
-		// Send the response.
-		s.sendInternalAccountMsg(nil, reply, atomic.LoadInt32(&nsubs))
+		if sendResponse {
+			// Send the response.
+			s.sendInternalAccountMsg(nil, reply, atomic.LoadInt32(&nsubs))
+		}
 	}()
 }