Connie Burton, Sister of Metallica Legend Cliff Burton, Has Died

Less than two months after a fundraiser was launched for a "life-saving" surgery, Connie Burton — sister of late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton — died earlier this week on Wednesday (Aug. 19).

The news has been relayed on social media via Cliff Burton Day and Cliff Burton Family Instagram accounts, as well as an associate Jose Antonio, whose name appears at the end of the statement alongside the name Nicholas.

It's said that Connie passed away at 7:50PM on Wednesday and was "surrounded by her closest living loved ones." Noting other Burton family decedents, the statement describes the room as being "heavy with the spirit of her brother Cliff, her mother Jan, her brother Scott and her father Ray."

Connie's passion for sharing her brother Cliff's legacy was lifelong, including stories she shared as part of the 90-minute documentary about the late musician, titled The Salvation Kingdom.

She is survived by daughter Nicole Mercedes Brereton and Harold Shannon, her partner of the last 24 years.

View the full statement below.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news, on Wednesday August 19th at 7:50 pm our sister Connie Burton peacefully passed away surrounded by her closest living loved ones. 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.

Connie's life mission was to share her faith and to share the legacy of her brother Cliff. 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.

Connie Burton loved everyone that shared with her how Cliff impacted their life. 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.

Thank you Connie for your love and passion. 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.

In late June, friends of Connie Burton launched a GoFundMe to help with what was described as a "life-saving" surgery.

The fundraising page stated, in part, at the time, "Recently, Connie has faced a life-threatening medical crisis: severe decay in her skull that started from her teeth and has now reached her sinuses. Doctors have warned that if the decay breaks through, it could be fatal. The surgery she needs is urgent, and she must put down a significant amount apart from what insurance will cover."

No cause of death has been publicly revealed at press time (Aug 21).

Below, we salute all the rock and metal figures we've lost throughout 2026 so far.