diff --git a/src/reference.hpp b/src/reference.hpp
index a12a223..e9bedb7 100644
--- a/src/reference.hpp
+++ b/src/reference.hpp
@@ -182,8 +182,9 @@ private:
         // Release the bias - decrement weak count for strong references
         uint32_t prev_weak = control_block->decrement_weak();
 
-        // If weak count hits 0, free control block
+        // If weak count hits 0, destroy and free control block
         if (prev_weak == 1) {
+          control_block->~ControlBlock();
           std::free(control_block);
         }
       }
@@ -329,8 +330,9 @@ private:
     if (control_block) {
       uint32_t prev_weak = control_block->decrement_weak();
 
-      // If weak count hits 0, free control block
+      // If weak count hits 0, destroy and free control block
       if (prev_weak == 1) {
+        control_block->~ControlBlock();
         std::free(control_block);
       }
     }