The father of former Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase has publicly discussed his son’s ongoing battle with homelessness and mental health issues. Tylor, known for his role as Martin Qwerly on the show Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide from 2004 to 2007, has gained attention after a TikTok video surfaced in September, revealing his difficult circumstances. The video has since gone viral, drawing widespread concern and prompting discussions about the challenges of mental health and addiction.
In an interview with the Daily Mail on December 23, Joseph Mendez Jr., Tylor’s father, expressed the family’s ongoing struggle to support his son. He highlighted that Tylor, who is 36 years old and legally named Tylor Kurtis Mendez, has faced significant challenges, including substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Joseph stated, “He’s a wonderful person when he’s Tylor,” emphasizing the complexity of Tylor’s situation. For over ten years, the family has sought various treatment options, focusing on both addiction support and mental health care. In 2021, Tylor was admitted to a rehabilitation facility, where he showed progress, but he later discontinued his medication and resumed substance use.
Recently, Tylor returned to California to be closer to his mother in hopes of stabilizing his situation. Despite the family’s continued support, he has declined ongoing treatment and assistance. The Riverside Police Department has also been involved, noting that Tylor has consistently turned down offers for shelter and mental health services. Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback stated that Tylor has been cooperative during their interactions but has not accepted help.
The police department’s Public Safety Engagement Team reaches out to Tylor at least once a week, offering resources for temporary shelter and other support. Joseph has also connected with former Disney actor Shaun Weiss, who has expressed a desire to help Tylor. Weiss recently posted an Instagram video offering assistance, highlighting the importance of community support in times of crisis.
In addition to Weiss, Tylor’s former co-stars from Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, including Daniel Curtis Lee and Lindsey Shaw, have also shown their support. Daniel recently visited Tylor, providing him with a meal and checking him into a hotel for a short stay, sharing updates on social media to raise awareness of Tylor’s situation.
On December 22, Tylor spoke with the Daily Mail, denying that he was experiencing homelessness. He stated, “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.” Despite acknowledging that he takes medications, including Prozac and Adderall, he denied being diagnosed with any mental health conditions.
The unfolding situation of Tylor Chase sheds light on the complexities surrounding mental health and addiction, particularly for individuals who once enjoyed fame. As his family and friends continue to seek ways to support him, the public remains engaged, hoping for a positive resolution to his struggles.
