Morgan Freeman set to divorce

Morgan Freeman announces divorce just days after crash

Morgan Freeman has confirmed he's set to divorce his wife of 24 years – just days after he survived a serious car crash while travelling with a young female companion.

His lawyer told US TV programme Access Hollywood that the actor and hiswife Myrna Colley-Lee 'are involved in a divorce action'.

Bill Luckett, who is Freeman's Mississippi-based attorney and business partner, confirmed that the pair have been separated 'for legal and practical purposes' since December 2007.

The 71-year-old suffered a broken arm and elbow when he crashed the car he was driving, which belonged to 48-year-old Demaris Meyer, who was described as the actor's friend.

The crash took place on Sunday night on the Mississippi highway when the car veered off the road, flipped and landed in a ditch. The pair were both airlifted to hospital after rescue teams had to use hydraulic equipment – the Jaws of Life – to cut them free. While Freeman was treated with broken bones, Demaris left hospital unhurt.

Freeman's spokeswoman Donna Lee said he is doing well and 'looking forward to his release in a few days.'

Morgan married Myrna Colley-Lee in 1984. They live in a 126-acre ranch near Charleston and also have a home in New York.

The veteran actor – who won an Oscar for his supporting role in 2005's Million Dollar Baby - has a daughter, Morgana, from his previous marriage to Jeanette Bradshaw, which ended in 1979, during which he adopted Miss Bradshaw’s daughter, Deena.

He also has two sons, Alfonso and Saifoulaye, from earlier relationships.