MySQL server has gone away

WordPress version – 4.5.3
RootsPersona version – 3.3.3

In WordPress admin console, I go into Tools – RootsPersona, click on Upload GEDCOM, Click on Choose File, select my file, click Open, then click Upload.

Immediately upon clicking on the Upload button to upload my GEDCOM file, I get this error.

“MySQL server has gone away::Roots_Persona->upload_gedcom_handler(816), Roots_Persona->build_roots_tools_page, call_user_func_array(525), do_action(236), require_once(10)”

The following are the php.ini settings mentioned by the uploader;

“The following PHP settings have an impact on GEDCOM file processing:
PHP version 5.5.36.
upload_max_filesize 2047M.
post_max_size 2047M.
max_input_time 86400.
max_execution_time 86400.”

The GEDCOM is only 176kb in size and has approximately 9100 lines (810 individuals). The file was exported from ancestry.com, and I have previously been able to upload without error.

As mentioned this error occurs immediately when clicking on the upload button, so I can’t see how increasing the timeouts (most suggestions on Internet) would assist. Any information would be appreciated.

https://wordpress.org/plugins/rootspersona/