diff --git a/src/end.c b/src/end.c
index eb226fd74..a518d8d7c 100644
--- a/src/end.c
+++ b/src/end.c
@@ -582,8 +582,8 @@ die:
 	program_state.gameover = 1;
 	/* in case of a subsequent panic(), there's no point trying to save */
 	program_state.something_worth_saving = 0;
-	/* turn off vision subsystem */
-	vision_recalc(2);
+	/* render vision subsystem inoperative */
+	iflags.vision_inited = 0;
 	/* might have been killed while using a disposable item, so make sure
 	   it's gone prior to inventory disclosure and creation of bones data */
 	inven_inuse(TRUE);