diff --git a/app/models/work.rb b/app/models/work.rb
index 48b2a128cdf..08bd3fdc76c 100755
--- a/app/models/work.rb
+++ b/app/models/work.rb
@@ -250,9 +250,11 @@ def send_deleted_work_notification
     return unless self.posted?
     
     users = self.pseuds.collect(&:user).uniq
-    orphan_account = User.orphan_account
+    
     return if users.blank?
 
+    orphan_account = User.orphan_account
+
     users.each do |user|
       next if user == orphan_account