diff --git a/lemonbar.c b/lemonbar.c
index 08883e5..d6cf9cf 100644
--- a/lemonbar.c
+++ b/lemonbar.c
@@ -772,6 +772,7 @@ font_load (const char *pattern)
         ret->height = ret->ascent + ret->descent;
     } else {
         fprintf(stderr, "Could not load font %s\n", pattern);
+        free(ret);
         return;
     }