They were part of a group of about 30 friends and acquaintances camping near Molong, 20 kilometres outside town.

Most were about to start university; many, like the sleeping pair, had taken a gap year after finishing school in 2008.

Some time before sunrise on Tuesday, one of the campers got into his ute and drove off.

The driver, a 17-year-old boy, had not seen the sleeping couple. He reversed over them in the dark.

Yesterday morning 19-year-old Eliza Wannan, died, and yesterday afternoon the man, also 19, died. Each had suffered severe injuries to their head, chest and abdomen.

Ms Wannan's parents, Katrina and Andrew Wannan, from Orange, confirmed their daughter had died.

''We are devastated to lose our beautiful girl,'' they said. ''Eliza was so full of life with a bright future ahead.''

The family of the man, who is believed to be from nearby Nashdale, did not want his name to be released yesterday.

The teenagers were former students of the Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange. The principal, Brian Kennelly, said the school community and everyone who knew them were devastated by their deaths.

''We are offering our full support at this time and helping the families in any way we can,'' he said.

The teenagers had graduated from the school a year ago and had formed many friendships during their time there, not only with their classmates but with many younger students.

''There were many strong links of friendship across the years,'' Mr Kennelly said.

''We are setting up some support mechanisms for the students when they return to school next week, as well as for the staff and families involved.''

It is believed that the school is looking at bringing in counsellors and is working closely with the school chaplain.

''We're a strong community and we've had a number of tragic events over the years and we've managed to pull together and support each other,'' Mr Kennelly said.

The driver of the ute assisted police with their investigation and was released pending further inquiries.

with Geesche Jacobsen