Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
A former child actor known for his role on a well-loved Nickelodeon series was hospitalized on Christmas Day after a video went viral on TikTok, showing him seemingly homeless.
The TikTok video featured an influencer interacting with a man who appeared to be living on the streets, with the caption, ‘POV: You run into a former child star’. This man, identified by his worn clothing, was Tylor Chase, who portrayed Martin Qwerly for three years in Ned’s Declassified Survival Guide.
Chase’s situation was verified as more severe by his father and local authorities. His struggle with drug addiction had led him to decline assistance and housing offers from Riverside California Police and his family members.
However, a significant shift occurred on Christmas Day for the former child star when an on-the-spot evaluation determined he required ‘immediate help’, resulting in a three-day detoxification period at the hospital.
Following this incident, Chase’s prospects appeared to improve, marking progress after continuous efforts to persuade him to receive help for his addiction.
Content creator Jake Harris was enlisted by Chase’s father to aid in the endeavor to assist his son. Harris managed to find an effective intervention to help the 36-year-old leave the streets.
He celebrated this crucial step in Chase’s care on Christmas Day, posting on Instagram that ‘we finally got Tylor the help he needed.’ Harris provided further details about Chase’s treatment, stating: “He’s currently receiving medical attention to get him healthy, to get him all better.”
Specialists were consulted to evaluate Chase’s condition and determine the best path toward recovery. Harris explained to the Daily Mail: “I was able to finally get ahold of a crisis center that would come out and do a same-day evaluation.
“They determined he needed immediate help and brought him to a local hospital for 72-hour treatment.”
This positive progression came in the wake of heightened interest in Chase’s complex living circumstances in recent months. After the TikTok video gained attention, Chase’s father, Joseph Mendez Jr, described his son as a ‘wonderful person’ who had been battling drug issues for a while.
He informed the Mail: “For over a decade, the family has sought treatment options for Tylor, including support for substance use as well as mental health care.”
Recent attempts at rehabilitation were unsuccessful, with Chase opting for life on the streets despite efforts from family, friends, and former co-stars to help him overcome his addiction.
“His family has been trying for many years to get him the support he needs, but ultimately, he must be willing to accept help,” his father commented.
A fundraising effort was initiated to support Chase after his situation gained traction online. However, the organizer soon received a request from Chase’s mother to refrain from sending him money.
“Money would not benefit him. I have gotten him several phones, but he loses them within a day or two. He can’t manage money or his meds by himself,” his mom explained.
Chase himself addressed his struggles with the press, mentioning: “It’s not really like that, I have friends and family. I stay around here locally. My mom is here. I have a lot of good people helping me.
“It’s not too shabby. A lot of people help out. It goes a long way. I have family and friends, and the housing shelter assistance program. There’s graceful charity from the grace of God’s family people. That’s a pretty chill aspect of it all.”
If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.