diff --git a/src/main/java/net/schmizz/sshj/transport/Heartbeater.java b/src/main/java/net/schmizz/sshj/transport/Heartbeater.java
index 618ad5cf..ca3b068e 100644
--- a/src/main/java/net/schmizz/sshj/transport/Heartbeater.java
+++ b/src/main/java/net/schmizz/sshj/transport/Heartbeater.java
@@ -50,8 +50,6 @@ final class Heartbeater
 
     private int interval;
 
-    private boolean started;
-
     Heartbeater(TransportImpl trans) {
         this.trans = trans;
         setName("heartbeater");