Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
Efforts to assist a former children’s TV star, who has faced significant challenges and has been living on the streets of California, saw significant developments over the holiday season.
In September, a video of Tylor Chase, known for his role as Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, went viral as it revealed his troubled appearance, leading to widespread concern for the ex-child actor.
Chase, now 36, has battled mental health issues following his three-year tenure on the show. His story gained renewed attention after a TikTok video in early December, which prompted a surge of support and efforts to assist him.
On Christmas Day, Chase was hospitalized when a local resident arranged for a mental health crisis team to see him in Riverside, California. The team determined he needed urgent help and admitted him for a 72-hour drug treatment. However, he found himself back on the streets just 36 hours later.
Jacob Harris, from the local business Shipwreck Barbershop, who had tried to aid Chase, shared an Instagram update on their intervention during Christmas.
Harris explained: “They took him away in an ambulance, where he was supposed to be kept for a few days, sort of a Baker Act situation. They did not keep him. They released him in the middle of the night.”
The following morning, Harris located Chase again and contacted the crisis team. Despite the prior day’s admission, they concluded he was ‘of sound mind, cleaned up and not in immediate danger,’ and thus did not require re-admittance.
Chase’s willingness to engage with recovery services remains a challenge. A rehab coach was sent to assist him, but at that time, he was not ready to accept help for his substance use issues, remaining on the streets despite offers from former colleagues.
Chase has previously explained his situation, stating: “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.”
Harris urged Riverside officials to ensure Chase doesn’t ‘slip through the cracks’ and encouraged the public to give him space while also showing love and support.
Daniel Curtis Lee, a fellow actor from Ned’s Declassified, expressed gratitude towards Harris for his efforts, remarking, “Good man! The awareness was raised and the community is catalyzed to see this recovery happen! #longliveTylor.”
Local authorities have consistently offered Chase support during his time on the streets. The Riverside PD released a statement indicating: “During their contacts, Public Safety Engagement Team officers consistently offer available services and resources aimed at connecting individuals with substance abuse treatment, mental health care, and other supportive services.
“Tylor has been offered these services but has declined assistance thus far. He has remained cordial and cooperative during his interactions with officers.”
If you are seeking confidential advice about drugs, American Addiction Centers is available at (313) 209-9137 24/7, or you can reach out through their website.