The father of former Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase has publicly addressed the troubling circumstances surrounding his son, who is currently experiencing homelessness. In a series of statements, Joseph Mendez Jr. spoke with the Daily Mail on December 23, 2023, revealing that the family has been struggling with Tylor’s ongoing challenges related to addiction and mental health.
Tylor, 36, is best known for his role as Martin Qwerly in the Nickelodeon show Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide from 2004 to 2007. His recent situation gained significant attention after a TikTok video, initially posted in September, went viral, highlighting his current living conditions.
Family Struggles and Support Efforts
According to Mendez, Tylor’s legal name is Tylor Kurtis Mendez. He emphasized that the family has sought various treatment options for Tylor over the past decade. This includes support for substance use as well as mental health care. “He’s a wonderful person when he’s Tylor,” Mendez remarked, underscoring his son’s potential.
The father explained that Tylor has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which necessitate consistent medical treatment. Mendez described a period in 2021 when Tylor attended a rehabilitation facility, showing signs of progress. However, he later chose to discontinue his medication and resumed substance use.
Recently, Tylor returned to California to be near his mother in hopes of stabilizing his situation. Despite the family’s continued support, he has resisted ongoing treatment and assistance. The Riverside Police Department reported that Tylor has consistently declined offers of shelter, drug or alcohol treatment, and mental health services from their outreach division.
Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback confirmed that Tylor has been cooperative during their interactions, although the department is unsure how long he has been unhoused. Their Public Safety Engagement Team reaches out at least once a week to offer various resources, including temporary shelter options.
Community and Celebrity Support
In an effort to assist Tylor, Mendez has connected with former Disney actor Shaun Weiss, who has publicly offered support through social media. Weiss, who has overcome his own struggles, is working with Mendez to help Tylor navigate this difficult period. Additionally, Tylor’s former co-stars from Ned’s Declassified, including Daniel Curtis Lee and Lindsey Shaw, have expressed their desire to assist him.
This week, Daniel visited Tylor, treating him to a meal and checking him into a hotel room. Daniel shared updates on their interaction via social media, showcasing a sense of community support for Tylor during this challenging time.
Despite the concerns raised by family and friends, Tylor recently spoke with the Daily Mail on December 22, denying he is experiencing homelessness. “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,” he stated. He acknowledged taking various medications, including Prozac and Adderall, prescribed by a psychiatrist, but denied any formal diagnosis of mental health conditions.
The situation surrounding Tylor Chase continues to evolve, drawing attention to the complexities of mental health and addiction, particularly for those in the public eye. The ongoing efforts from his family and friends highlight the importance of support and compassion in addressing such personal struggles.
