Featured Image Credit: Nickelodeon
Topics: Celebrity, TV And Film, US News
Rhiannon Ingle
The father of Nickelodeon child star Tylor Chase has now spoken out after a ‘heartbreaking’ video of the actor went viral.
Concern was first sparked after a social media video of 36-year-old Chase, suggesting that he is currently homeless in Riverside, California, went viral online.
Chase is best known for his role as Martin Qwerly in the Nickelodeon TV series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide from the 2000s, as well as for his appearances in Everybody Hates Chris and the 2007 movie Good Time Max.
Riverside Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Railsback told The Daily Mail that they weren't sure how long he'd been 'experiencing homelessness', but said that 'during all of our interactions, he has been cordial and cooperative with our officers'.
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He also added that their Public Safety Engagement Team 'contacts him at least once a week and consistently offer a variety of resources, including assistance with temporary shelter options'; however, Chase has supposedly declined their offers.
And now, Chase's father has spoken out, claiming that his son suffers from mental health issues.
Joseph Mendez Jr. has claimed that Chase has struggled with issues for more than a decade, but told The Daily Mail that 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.
His father said that the family got the former actor into a rehabilitation centre in 2021, however, he continued to say: "He [Chase] later chose to discontinue medication and resumed substance use."
After this, he reportedly went to live with his mom in California 'in hopes of stabilizing his situation', but has reportedly 'refused ongoing treatment and assistance', despite 'continued support'.
"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.
Chase himself has spoken out and denied that he is homeless, telling The Daily Mail: "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."
Mendez's statement comes after The Mighty Ducks star Shaun Weiss issued an update on Chase, admitting we're not 'out of the woods' but confirmed 'he seems receptive and willing to enter treatment'.
"He seems receptive and willing to enter treatment. I have since spoken with his parents, who have been devastated since losing contact with him five months ago," Weiss told Tyla.
"The next step is getting him an 'assessment' to determine what level of care he needs and which features are necessary for his detox program. We are not out of the woods yet. But over the next few days we'll be working hard to find him the care he requires."
The actor promisingly signed off with: "If he's ready He will have access to the resources necessary to turn his life around. I am living proof that it can be done."
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.