Maggot Brain - how old was Eddie Hazel during recording?

For some time now I can't make sense of this. Why is it stated on some sites/threads that he was 17 when he recorded Maggot Brain? The album was recorded late 70'-71', that would make him 20/21.

I've read that it also acted as a tribute to Hendrix, he passed in September 1970. If he was 17 during recording it would have been in 67.

Why is the first answer on Google that he was 17? It just doesn't make sense.