The father of former Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase has publicly addressed his son’s ongoing struggle with homelessness. Tylor, known for his role as Martin Qwerly in the show Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide from 2004 to 2007, has been living unhoused, a situation highlighted in a viral TikTok video posted in September. The video has prompted widespread concern and outrage regarding his current condition.
In an interview with the Daily Mail on December 23, 2023, Tylor’s father, Joseph Mendez Jr., discussed the family’s ongoing battle with Tylor’s mental health and substance use. Joseph emphasized that for over a decade, they have sought various treatment options for Tylor, who is legally named Tylor Kurtis Mendez. “He’s a wonderful person when he’s Tylor,” Joseph noted, expressing his deep concern for his son.
Joseph revealed that Tylor has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, conditions that necessitate consistent medical treatment. “In addition to addiction, he requires ongoing support for his mental health,” the 60-year-old realtor from Georgia stated. He shared that Tylor entered a rehabilitation facility in 2021, where progress was made, but Tylor later chose to discontinue his medication and returned to substance use.
Tylor’s recent move back to California was an attempt to stabilize his situation by being closer to his mother. Despite the family’s efforts, Joseph reported that Tylor has refused further treatment and assistance. Riverside police confirmed that Tylor has consistently declined offers of shelter, drug treatment, or mental health services provided by the department’s outreach team.
Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback of the Riverside Police Department noted that Tylor has been cooperative during their interactions. “During all of our interactions, he has been cordial and cooperative with our officers,” Railsback said. The department’s Public Safety Engagement Team has reached out to Tylor at least once a week, providing various resources, including temporary shelter options.
In an effort to support Tylor, Joseph has reached out to former Disney actor Shaun Weiss, who has also expressed a desire to help. Weiss shared an Instagram video offering aid to Tylor, further emphasizing the community’s concern. Additionally, Tylor’s former co-stars from Ned’s Declassified, including Daniel Curtis Lee and Lindsey Shaw, have indicated their willingness to assist him. Recently, Daniel visited Tylor, took him out for a meal, and checked him into a hotel room. He has been sharing updates about Tylor’s situation on social media.
In a conversation with the Daily Mail on December 22, Tylor himself denied being homeless, 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.” He mentioned taking several medications, including Prozac and Adderall, which he claimed were prescribed by a psychiatrist, yet he denied being diagnosed with any mental health conditions.
The situation surrounding Tylor Chase highlights the complexities of mental health and addiction, particularly for individuals who have experienced fame at a young age. As family and friends rally around him, the hope is that Tylor can find the support he needs to overcome these challenges.
