The most typical cause of the MySQL server has gone away problem is because the query timed out and the connection was ended. This can occur when a MySQL query times out (i.e. is too sluggish).
To attempt and help with this error, we propose conducting a MySQL check/optimization through phpMyAdmin, as follows:
1. Sign in to the database you wish to optimize via phpMyAdmin.
2. Select the database from the left-hand side menu.
3. Select the tables you wish to optimize or select ‘Check all’.
4. From the ‘With selected:’ dropdown menu, select ‘Optimize table’.
The ‘OPTIMIZE TABLE’ query that’s run reorganizes the physical storage of table data and associated index data, to reduce storage space and improve I/O efficiency when accessing the table.