The co-owner and chef of a well-known Finger Lakes winery and bistro was killed and her husband was injured in a two-car crash Thursday on the state Thruway.

Debra Whiting, 52, died of internal injuries at Auburn Memorial Hospital after being airlifted there after the crash at 8:14 p.m. in the westbound lanes of the Thruway in Montezuma, Cayuga County. David Whiting, 47, is in fair condition today in Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where he is being treated for lacerations.


The couple owns Red Newt Winery and Bistro in Hector, Schuyler County, near Watkins Glen.


A passenger in the other car, Frank Pecoraro Jr., 47, of La Fayette, Onondaga County, also is in fair condition at Upstate University Hospital.


The Whitings were returning from visiting family and friends in Vermont when the crash occurred, said Greg Tumbarello, business and office manager of the winery and bistro.


David Whiting was driving west in the couple's 1985 Volkswagen van when he moved into the left lane and hit a 2004 Buick driven by Ian Olinski, 18, of Nedrow, Onondaga County, according to Sgt. Robin Urbaniak of Troop T of the State Police. Olinski's car went off the road into the median and overturned and Whiting's car drove off the right shoulder and hit a tree, Urbaniak said.


No charges have been filed and an investigation is pending, he said.


The bistro is closed today but is scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Tumbarello said.


He said the Whitings are like family to him and other employees.


"We all feel like we lost a mother today," he said.


Sheldrake Point Winery announced today that its Simply Red Bistro would be closed today for dinner. "We are all mourning the loss of FLX icon and dear person, Chef Debra Whiting of Red Newt Bistro," the winery said on its Facebook page.


People at other Finger Lakes wineries and restaurants expressed shock and grief in postings on Twitter.


Debra Whiting was a specialty chef who had recently filmed a segment for the reality-television program Chopped on the Food network. The show has yet to air.