The family of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton announced that his sister, Connie Burton, has passed away. The news comes less than two months after a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched seeking help for a “life-saving” surgery.
The family’s statement described the circumstances of Connie’s passing and reflected on her lifelong devotion to preserving Cliff’s legacy.
“On Wednesday August 19th at 7:50 pm our sister Connie Burton peacefully passed away surrounded by her closest living loved ones,” the family said. “She looked beautiful as she lay in rest taking her final breaths. The room was heavy with the spirit of her brother Cliff, her mother Jan, her brother Scott, and her father Ray.”
The statement went on to highlight what it called Connie’s life mission and her connection to the Burton family name.
“Connie’s life mission was to share her faith and to share the legacy of her brother Cliff,” the statement continued. “She fulfilled both, up until the time of her passing. Connie proudly carried the Burton name as a badge of honor knowing she came from Castro Valley’s most legendary family.”
The family also spoke about the personal connections Connie built with fans over the years, as well as those she leaves behind.
“Connie Burton loved everyone that shared with her how Cliff impacted their life,” the statement read. “She took the time to write to everyone that shared a story with her, just as Jan and Ray did. Connie is survived by her daughter Nicole Mercedes Brereton and her loving partner of 24 years, Harold Shannon. Her absence will be felt for years to come within the Cliff Burton Family.”
The statement closed with words of gratitude and remembrance.
“Thank you Connie for your love and passion,” the family said. “We know Cliff is excited to hug his big sister once again. With love, Nicholas and Jose.”
A private service will be held at a later date.
Connie Burton was 66 years old at the time of her death. Her passing leaves the Burton family without any surviving siblings from Cliff’s generation, marking the end of an era for one of Castro Valley’s most storied musical families.
The GoFundMe campaign that preceded her death was launched in late June 2026, describing an urgent and serious medical situation. The fundraiser detailed severe decay in Connie’s skull that had originated from her teeth and spread to reach her sinuses. Doctors warned the condition could become fatal if it broke through further.
Organizers of the campaign stressed the time-sensitive nature of the operation, noting that Connie needed to cover a significant amount of medical costs beyond what her insurance would provide. The appeal for help framed the surgery as essential to saving her life, underscoring the severity of her illness in the weeks before her passing.
Connie had long been a visible and active presence in the community built around her brother’s memory. She corresponded personally with fans who reached out to share how Cliff’s music and legacy had touched their lives. That role, combined with her health struggles in recent months, made her death resonate deeply among those who had followed the Burton family’s story for decades.
