diff --git a/qutebrowser/browser/downloads.py b/qutebrowser/browser/downloads.py
index 3f1e88f6b..3d6b53bbe 100644
--- a/qutebrowser/browser/downloads.py
+++ b/qutebrowser/browser/downloads.py
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ class DownloadItem(QObject):
         if code == QNetworkReply.OperationCanceledError:
             return
         else:
-            self.error.emit(self._reply.errorString())
+            self._die(self._reply.errorString())
 
     @pyqtSlot()
     def update_speed(self):