MySQL dies when trying to access a specific database
I frequently use innodb force recovery in this case, and it often resolves the issue. On Mac and Windows installs, this is done by editing my.ini

Search for innodb_force in the text, uncomment that line, set the value to 2. Restart the MySQL service. 
Undo your edits ( comment out that line in my.ini)
Restart the service and test. You can safely do level 3 in the same manner, but research more about it before attempting level 4 or higher. 

Hope this helps.