The family of Cliff Burton has announced the death of Connie Burton, the late Metallica bassist’s older sister.
Connie passed away on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:50 p.m., according to a statement shared through the Cliff Burton Day and Cliff Burton Family social media accounts, as well as by Jose Antonio, Connie’s assistant, who signed the statement alongside the name Nicholas. She was reportedly surrounded by her closest living loved ones at the time of her death.
Her passing comes less than two months after a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help pay for what was described as “life-saving” surgery. According to the fundraiser, Connie had been dealing with severe decay in her skull that began with her teeth and had spread to her sinuses. Doctors had reportedly warned that the condition could become fatal if it continued to progress.
The statement announcing her death paints an emotional picture of Connie’s final moments, saying the room was “heavy with the spirit of her brother Cliff, her mother Jan, her brother Scott, and her father Ray.”
Connie dedicated much of her life to preserving the memory of her brother, who died in a bus accident in Sweden in 1986 at the age of 24. She regularly interacted with fans and shared stories about Cliff, continuing a tradition that her parents, Jan and Ray, had also embraced.
Her perspective on Cliff‘s life and legacy was also included in the 90-minute documentary The Salvation Kingdom, which focused on the legendary bassist.
The full statement from Nicholas and Jose reads: “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.”
