diff --git a/providers/general/device/src/main/java/org/onosproject/provider/general/device/impl/GeneralDeviceProvider.java b/providers/general/device/src/main/java/org/onosproject/provider/general/device/impl/GeneralDeviceProvider.java
index 34e707fcac..f7033717b7 100644
--- a/providers/general/device/src/main/java/org/onosproject/provider/general/device/impl/GeneralDeviceProvider.java
+++ b/providers/general/device/src/main/java/org/onosproject/provider/general/device/impl/GeneralDeviceProvider.java
@@ -959,6 +959,7 @@ public class GeneralDeviceProvider extends AbstractProvider
                     // TODO evaluate other reaction to channel error.
                     log.warn("Received CHANNEL_ERROR from {}. Is the channel still open?",
                              deviceId);
+                    handleChannelClosed(deviceId);
                     break;
                 case ROLE_MASTER:
                     handleMastershipResponse(deviceId, MastershipRole.MASTER);