Cliff Burton’s Family Mourns His Sister’s Death After Asking for Funds for Life-Saving Surgery

Late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton’s family announced that his sister, Connie Burton, passed away less than two months after a GoFundMe fundraiser was launched for a “life-saving” surgery.

The family shared a statement on Facebook:

“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.”

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“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.”

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Connie’s death came after her family and supporters turned to the public for financial help. The fundraiser and her connection to Metallica fans also highlighted the lasting interest in the Burton family, nearly four decades after Cliff’s death.

According to Connie Burton’s GoFundMe campaign, the fundraiser was launched on June 26, 2026, to help pay for a life-saving surgery.

The same campaign page showed $13,110 raised when it was captured. The publicly visible information did not identify the specific condition or illness behind the surgery, so further medical details have not been confirmed.

Cliff Burton died on September 27, 1986, at the age of 24, when Metallica’s tour bus overturned near Dörarp, Sweden.