diff --git a/pkg/controller/postgresql.go b/pkg/controller/postgresql.go
index dc082ffab..8e5303b26 100644
--- a/pkg/controller/postgresql.go
+++ b/pkg/controller/postgresql.go
@@ -258,6 +258,14 @@ func (c *Controller) processEvent(event ClusterEvent) {
 		}
 		lg.Infoln("deletion of the cluster started")
 
+		// HACK if a delete happens too soon, cl fields are empty
+		// thus, pods, logical backup jobs and headless service will not get deleted
+		// see issues 551, 218
+		if cl.Name == "" {
+			cl.Name = clusterName.Name
+			cl.Namespace = clusterName.Namespace
+		}
+
 		teamName := strings.ToLower(cl.Spec.TeamID)
 
 		c.curWorkerCluster.Store(event.WorkerID, cl)