The father of a former Nickelodeon child star has come forward after a video went viral showing the star seemingly living on the streets.
Tylor Chase, who played Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, which aired from 2004 to 2007, recently grabbed attention when a video surfaced suggesting he might be homeless.
Concerns were raised upon seeing the 36-year-old in such conditions during the holiday season.
The footage caught a fan approaching Chase outside a row of shops in Los Angeles, where the actor acknowledged his past role on the Nickelodeon series.
In response, Chase’s father has spoken out, indicating that his son is dealing with mental health challenges.
Joseph Mendez Jr stated that his son has been facing difficulties for over ten years but described him as a ‘wonderful person’ to the Daily Mail.
“For over a decade, the family has sought treatment options for Tylor, including support for substance use as well as mental health care,” he said.
The family revealed that Chase began struggling with addiction after being diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in 2015.
“He [Chase] later chose to discontinue medication and resumed substance use,” Mendez explained.
Following this, he reportedly went to live with his mom in California and eventually became homeless.
“His family has been trying for many years to get him the support he needs, but ultimately, he must be willing to accept help,” added Mendez.
The video showing Chase in a disheveled state alarmed fans worldwide.
As concern grew, TikToker LetHallAlli initiated a GoFundMe campaign for Chase, but she soon received a message from Chase’s mother, who said Chase wasn’t in the right frame of mind to handle large amounts of 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,” read the text message shared on TikTok.
The TikToker asked if she could hand over the funds to Chase’s mom, who agreed and shed more light on the situation.
“If you’d like to meet me at the plaza one day, that would be fine. But like I said, he’s not good at managing money and it could possibly hurt him. I appreciate you trying to help him, he is a good, sweet kid. But he does need medical help,” Chase’s mother added.
LetHallAlli later posted a video showing the new clothes and shoes she bought for Chase.
Devon Werkheiser, who acted alongside Chase as Ned Bigby in Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, has also commented on the distressing video of Chase’s situation.
“Tylor was a sensitive, sweet, and kind kid. It is heartbreaking to see him this way,” he told TMZ. “I haven’t seen Tylor in almost 20 years since the show ended. Anyone who has dealt with severe addiction and deep mental health issues knows it’s an unbelievably challenging situation if they don’t want help.”
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