In a heartbreaking Christmas Day update, former Nickelodeon star Daniel Curtis Lee has revealed his attempt to help his homeless ex-co-star, Tylor Chase, ended in disaster after Chase trashed a hotel room provided for him. Lee, 34, took to TikTok to share the devastating news and ask his followers for advice on how to proceed in aiding his troubled friend.
A Desperate Bid for Help Turns Sour
Daniel Curtis Lee, best known for playing Simon 'Cookie' Nelson-Cook on Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, posted the video on Thursday morning. He began by wishing his followers a happy holiday before delivering the grim update about Chase, 36, who portrayed Martin Qwerly on the same show from 2004 to 2007.
Lee explained that just hours after he had checked Chase into a hotel to provide warmth and shelter over Christmas, management contacted him. They reported that the room's door had been left wide open, the microwave was in the bathtub, and the refrigerator had been turned over. Lee expressed regret, noting his family had previously tried to get Chase into a hotel with similarly unsuccessful results.
Systemic Failures and a Plea for Guidance
The actor used the platform to criticise how California handles mental health crises, arguing that existing systems make it extraordinarily difficult for people like Chase to receive the help they desperately need. He referenced taxpayer-funded social systems and specifically mentioned the CARE Act, a California law designed to assist those with severe psychotic disorders.
"I don't understand how a system could be in place, right?" Lee said in the video. "We have all these social systems where help should be provided for these people facing mental health issues, drug abuse issues... Taxpayers vote on this stuff all the time." He asserted that Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and the state as a whole lack "quality systems."
Despite his disappointment, Lee remains determined to help. He directly asked his TikTok audience for insight on whether pursuing a temporary, involuntary psychiatric hold—known as a 5150 in California—was a fair and viable next step. "Do you think that's fair to have a third party call and get someone entry into a facility when you know they need the treatment and they're gravely mentally disabled?" he asked. "We have to do something before it's too late for Tylor."
A Story of Reunion and Ongoing Struggle
This distressing development came just a day after a more hopeful encounter. In an exclusive clip obtained by the Daily Mail on Tuesday, the two former child stars were seen sharing an emotional reunion hug. Lee had provided Chase with a hotel room for Christmas week, reconnecting after efforts detailed in an Instagram reel on Monday.
During that meeting, Lee facilitated a phone call between Chase and his father, which reportedly buoyed Chase's spirits. Lee noted that Chase "seemed super-receptive" to conversations about his future. However, respecting the wishes of Chase's mother, Lee avoided giving him cash, which she indicated "might be dangerous."
The Riverside Police Department's Public Information Officer, Ryan Railsback, confirmed to Daily Mail that officers from their Public Safety Engagement Team contact Chase at least weekly, offering resources including temporary shelter. Railsback stated Chase has been "cordial and cooperative" but has consistently declined all offers of shelter, drug treatment, or mental health services. The department is not aware of how long Chase has been homeless and has not attempted to contact his relatives on his behalf.
Other figures have stepped in to help, including former Mighty Ducks star Shaun Weiss, who has himself experienced homelessness. Weiss credited his friend, businessman Jake Harris, with combing the streets to find Chase and establish contact. Harris reported putting Chase on the phone with several former co-stars who expressed their love and hope for his recovery.
Lee's public plea underscores the complex challenges of addressing severe mental health and homelessness crises, even when individuals have support from concerned friends and former colleagues. The story highlights the gap between well-intentioned personal aid and the structured, long-term intervention often required.
