diff --git a/qutebrowser/browser/downloadview.py b/qutebrowser/browser/downloadview.py
index 5e5e1ba85..c54b03e61 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/browser/downloadview.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/browser/downloadview.py
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ class DownloadView(QListView):
         item = self.model().data(index, downloads.ModelRole.item)
         if item.done and item.successful:
             item.open_file()
-            self.model().remove_item(item)
+            item.remove()
 
     def _get_menu_actions(self, item):
         """Get the available context menu actions for a given DownloadItem.