Daniel Curtis Lee says his attempts to help former child actor Tylor Chase ended in chaos after the former Nickelodeon star allegedly destroyed a motel room paid for by his well-meaning co-worker during a brief intervention in California.
Lee, who plays “Cookie” on “Ned’s School Survival Guide,” said he drove from Los Angeles to Riverside after a viral TikTok video showed Chase homeless and living on the streets.
The video, which was originally posted online in September, shows a visibly disheveled Chase confirming his identity and admitting to his past role in the Nickelodeon series.
Daniel Curtis Lee (right) says he rushed to help former co-star Taylor Chase after a video showed her homeless on the streets of California.
A TikTok video posted in September showing a visibly disheveled Tylor Chase confirming his identity sparked widespread concern among fans. Instagram/Daniel Curtis Lee
The video attracted widespread attention and prompted fans to start a GoFundMe campaign that ultimately raised $1,200 but was halted by Chase’s mother, who warned that giving her son cash would exacerbate his struggles with mental illness and substance abuse.
The funds were used to buy food, clothing and other necessities, according to the TikToker who started the GoFundMe.
Lee said he contacted Chase directly, bought Chase a meal and paid for a motel room so he could escape the coming storm.
Within hours, Lee said, motel staff contacted him with the shocking news.
Lee said he bought Chase a meal and paid for a motel room during his brief intervention in Riverside to shelter him from the approaching storm. SL、Terma/BACKGRID
According to Mr. Li, the room was severely damaged. He said the door was left open, the refrigerator was turned upside down and the microwave was placed in the bathtub.
Lee later publicly shared the aftermath of the incident, calling the experience devastating but not entirely unexpected. He said Chase’s family had warned him about similar incidents in the past.
Hours later, Lee said, motel staff called with the shocking news that the room he had paid for had been severely damaged. TikTok/@danielcurtislee
The actor said the incident highlighted how difficult it is to help people with severe mental illness and addiction without long-term professional care.
Other former child stars also tried to get involved. Shaun Weiss, best known for playing goalie Greg Goldberg in the Disney film The Mighty Ducks, offered Chase a bed in rehab and a path to long-term treatment to help Chase recover from his addiction.
Chase has reportedly refused to accept Weiss’ offer so far.
Chase’s father, Joseph Mendez Jr., said his son had struggled with severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, plus substance abuse for more than a decade.
As of late December, Chase remained homeless in Southern California and continued to refuse ongoing treatment, according to those trying to help him. Nickelodeon
Local authorities confirmed that outreach teams met with Chase frequently and offered shelter, mental health services and medication multiple times, but he declined them all.
Lee said the motel incident made it clear that good intentions are not enough.
As of late December, Chase remained homeless in Southern California and continued to refuse ongoing treatment, leaving those trying to help him with few options and no idea of what would happen next.
