The father of a Nickelodeon child star has spoken out after a viral video appears to show the star seemingly homeless.
Tylor Chase, known for his role as Martin Qwerly in Ned’s Declassified Survival Guide, which aired between 2004 and 2007, recently went viral after a video appeared to show the star seemingly homelessness.
Many were concerned to see the video of the now 36-year-old apparently living on the streets amid the festive season.
The video saw a fan approach Chase outside a line of shops in Los Angeles this month, with the actor confirming he had previously appeared on the Nickelodeon show.
Now, the star’s father has spoken out, claiming Chase suffers from mental health issues.
Tylor Chase (Nickelodeon)
Joseph Mendez Jr has claimed his son has been struggling for more than a decade with issues, but told the Daily Mail he is a ‘wonderful person.’
“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
According to the family, Chase has been battling addiction since he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in 2015.
“He [Chase] later chose to discontinue medication and resumed substance use,” Mendez claimed.
After which, he reportedly went to go and live with his mom in California before eventually falling into homelessness.
“His family has been trying for many years to get him the support he needs, but ultimately, he must be willing to accept help,” Mendez added.
The clip of a disheveled-looking Chase concerned fans across the globe.
Such was the concern that TikToker LetHallAlli set up a GoFundMe for Chase, though she soon received a message from the actor’s mom who claimed Chase wasn’t in the right state of mind to be dealing with large sums of money.
The star was` seen on the streets (Nikelodeon)
“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,” the alleged text message shared on TikTok read.
The TikToker asked Chase’s mom if she could pass the money they raised on to her, to which she agreed and lifted the lid on the apparent 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 shared a video of the new clothing items and shoes she purchased for Chase.
Devon Werkheiser, who featured alongside Chase as Ned Bigby in Ned’s Declassified Survival Guide, has also spoken out following the heartbreaking video of Chase living rough.
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.”
