diff --git a/docs/lua/examples/lighting-engine-demo/objects.lua b/docs/lua/examples/lighting-engine-demo/objects.lua
index 6ed1aeb3b..e44ccd7be 100644
--- a/docs/lua/examples/lighting-engine-demo/objects.lua
+++ b/docs/lua/examples/lighting-engine-demo/objects.lua
@@ -51,6 +51,7 @@ end
 --- @param flashlight Object
 function delete_flashlight(flashlight)
     le_remove_light(flashlight.oLightID)
+    flashlight.oLightID = -1
     obj_mark_for_deletion(flashlight)
     return nil
 end
diff --git a/src/game/spawn_object.c b/src/game/spawn_object.c
index 3bcadfe7a..51c501496 100644
--- a/src/game/spawn_object.c
+++ b/src/game/spawn_object.c
@@ -310,6 +310,7 @@ struct Object *allocate_object(struct ObjectNode *objList) {
     obj->oIntangibleTimer = -1;
     obj->oDamageOrCoinValue = 0;
     obj->oHealth = 2048;
+    obj->oLightID = -1;
 
     obj->oCollisionDistance = 1000.0f;
     if (gCurrLevelNum == LEVEL_TTC) {