diff --git a/RELEASE-NOTES.md b/RELEASE-NOTES.md
index 8de4bbfd4..d4d1b1910 100644
--- a/RELEASE-NOTES.md
+++ b/RELEASE-NOTES.md
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 **Bugs**
 - **Search** - Fixed issue where pressing "up" key when no results selected would cause bottom result to be selected
+- **Search** - Fixed issue where input may attempt to refocus when element is immediately removed from browser's DOM after a result is clicked
 
 **Enhancements**
 - **Checkbox** - Adds additional variables for styling toggle checkbox on/off state
diff --git a/src/definitions/modules/search.js b/src/definitions/modules/search.js
index 12ecb5597..cf5c84ad1 100644
--- a/src/definitions/modules/search.js
+++ b/src/definitions/modules/search.js
@@ -366,7 +366,14 @@ $.fn.search = function(parameters) {
             return $results.hasClass(className.hidden);
           },
           inMessage: function(event) {
-            return (event.target && $(event.target).closest(selector.message).length > 0);
+            if(!event.target) {
+              return;
+            }
+            var
+              $target = $(event.target),
+              isInDOM = $.contains(document.documentElement, event.target)
+            ;
+            return (isInDOM && $target.closest(selector.message).length > 0);
           },
           empty: function() {
             return ($results.html() === '');