diff --git a/MP2/peer.py b/MP2/peer.py
index aad448d..763d732 100644
--- a/MP2/peer.py
+++ b/MP2/peer.py
@@ -131,11 +131,12 @@ def worker_1():
                         incoming_state = member['state']
                         incoming_hb = member['heart_beat']
                             
-                        local_member = members_list[member_id]
+                        local_member = members_list.get(member_id)
 
                         if local_member is None:
                             if incoming_state == "failed":
                                 dead_members.add(member_id)
+                                continue
                             else:
                                 members_list[member_id] = {
                                     "heart_beat": incoming_hb,