Former Ned’s Declassified actor Tylor Chase has sparked a wave of public concern after a video showing him living on the streets went viral - and now, both his former co-stars and the police have weighed in.
Fans of the hit Nickelodeon show, which aired from 2004 to 2007, were stunned to see Chase - who played the character Martin Qwerly - appearing disheveled and seemingly homeless in a video shared on social media.
Sad viral video of Tylor Chase
The 36-year-old was filmed in Riverside, California, by a passerby who didn’t immediately recognize him.
When asked if he’d been on Disney Channel, Chase corrected her: “Nickelodeon.”
After she remembered his role, Chase confirmed it himself: “Ned’s Declassified.”
He even shared his full name with her on camera.
The clip, originally posted in September, quickly exploded online, prompting an emotional outpouring from fans who had grown up watching him.
“This actually breaks my heart,” one person tweeted.
“This made me so sad,” another added.
Co-stars speak out amid growing calls for help
Following the video’s spread, Chase’s Ned’s Declassified co-stars broke their silence - and their words revealed just how difficult the situation is behind the scenes.
Devon Werkheiser, who played the title character Ned, spoke with TMZ and said: “Tylor was a sensitive, sweet, and kind kid.
"It is heartbreaking to see him this way. I haven’t seen Tylor in almost 20 years since the show ended.”
He also shared that the solution is not as simple as just handing over cash.
“It's an everyday uphill battle to course correct. It requires a ton of support and patience and time.
My only hope is that from this exposure, someone with real understanding and resources can step in, get Tylor into treatment, and help him get back on track. We all want a happy ending.”
Werkheiser also pointed out that Chase has family nearby who regularly check on him and try to help, per TMZ.
However, he expressed frustration at people who share content of Chase online for clout rather than support.
Chase’s other co-stars echoed the same concern. On the September 24 episode of their Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide, Lindsey Shaw and Daniel Curtis Lee opened up about their reactions.
“It was a lot to process for me,” Lee, 34, said.
“When I first saw it, I was angry, because I was like why put a camera in someone’s face when they are on hard times?
But then, after I was angry at the people who were filming it, I was upset with myself in that I feel powerless. I feel like there’s not much I can do.”
According to the Riverside Police Department, officers encounter Chase on a near-weekly basis.
Authorities say they have repeatedly offered mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and even temporary housing - all of which Chase has declined.
In the wake of the video’s virality, a GoFundMe campaign was also launched to try and raise money for him.
The fundraiser gathered more than $1,200 before it was shut down by Chase’s mother.
“Tylor needs medical attention not money. But he refuses it,” she reportedly stated.
“I appreciate your effort. But money would not be a benefit to him. I have gotten him several phones, but he loses them within a day or two. He can’t manage money for his meds by himself.”
Videographer gives update
Jacob Harris, who has filmed Chase in the past, shared an update on Instagram about the former childhood star.
He wrote: "Found him.
"Sat with him for an hour while his father and multiple co stars called him on my phone. They explained their love for him and how much they want/need him to agree to getting help.
"He’s now in contact with all the right people to get him the help he needs.
"He has a hotel room tonight to give him time to make the decision on his own."