diff --git a/src/p_inter.c b/src/p_inter.c
index 7655d8d3d..b9cfa193c 100644
--- a/src/p_inter.c
+++ b/src/p_inter.c
@@ -2636,7 +2636,8 @@ static boolean P_KillPlayer(player_t *player, mobj_t *inflictor, mobj_t *source,
 	}
 	else
 	{
-		if (player->respawn.state != RESPAWNST_NONE)
+		// DMG_TIMEOVER: player explosion
+		if (player->respawn.state != RESPAWNST_NONE && type != DMG_TIMEOVER)
 		{
 			K_DoInstashield(player);
 			return false;